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EARLY HISTORY 



OF 



THE DISCIPLES 



IN THE 



Western Reserve, Ohio-, 



WITH 



Biographical Sketches of the Principal Agents in their 
Religious Movement. 



BY 

A. S. HAYDEN. 



CINCINNATI: 
CHASE & HALL, PUBLISHERS. 

1875- 



^p 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, by 

CHASE & HALL, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



STEREOTYPED AT THE 

FRANKTJN TYPE FOUNDRY, 

CINX'INNATI. 



S2 



PREFACE. /^ 



TTHE beginning of the second quarter of the nineteentn 
century is memorable as the period when a new and 
powerful religious awakening began in North-eastern Ohio. 
The Western Reserve was the principal theater of this be- 
nign work. In recording the history of this revival, it 
will be necessary to trace the origin of the movement ; 
to describe its character, its spirit^ and its aims ; to note 
the principal events which attended its origin and prog- 
ress; and, in turn, to consider this remarkable outburst 
of Christian zeal and activity in its relation to the future, 
as the direct and potent cause of succeeding develop- 
ments in the kingdom of Christ. 

This movement was so unexpected, so rapid, so gen- 
eral, and accompanied by many incidents and events so 
peculiar, as to stamp the phenomenon with the clearest 
indications of a providential visitation of great mercy to 
the world. Many of its first advocates were plain, un- 
pretending men, called unexpectedly to the front, and 
urged forward by the resistless impulses of the work it- 
self Some of these men exhibited fine oratorial powers. 
They have left their impress durably on a wide and 
growing society. Brief biographical sketches of the prin- 
cipal early actors in the scenes to pass before the reader 
can not fail to be interesting to him. They will also 
constitute an important part of the record of the times. 

Great care has been bestowed on the accuracy of every 
statement, both of date and incident; a branch of duty 

(iii) 



IV • PREFACE. 

often laborious, requiring the collation of many docu- 
ments, and the reconciliation of conflicting testimonies. 

Many persons yet remaining of the generation herein 
chiefly described, will find in these pages events with which 
they are personally familiar. The young will discover in 
the same pages the planting and establishment of principles 
of religious reform which are now providentially com- 
mitted to their trust, and which, in their faithful hands, 
are yet, we hope, to be developed into yet fairer sym- 
metry and greater perfection of individual Christian char- 
acter, and higher Church order and activity. 

As far as possible the whole work has been brought within 
the following plan : 

1. A sketch of the condition of religious society at the 
opening of the work. 

2. A short account of the agencies by which it was ac- 
complished. 

3. A history of the work itself. 

4. Biographical notices of the principal actors. 

A. S. H. 



CONTENTS. 



PACK. 

Preface, • • 3 

Western Reserve : History and Description, .. • .13 

CHAPTER I. 

Preliminary agencies — Debate between A. Campbell and John 
Walker — Discussion with W. L. McCalla — The Christian 
Baptist—Visit of Bentley and Rigdon — The Mahoning 
Association : its constitution and its creed — The Associa- 
tion in Canfield, 1826 — Eminent preachers — Notable ser- 
mon by A. Campbell — Sketch of Elder Thomas Campbell — 
Biography of A. Campbell, ..«•.. iS 

CHAPTER II. 

The Association in New Lisbon, 1827 — Call for an evangel- 
ist — Ministers of the Christian Connection — Walter Scott 
chosen — Biography of Scott — Among the churches — Quar- 
terly meeting in Braceville — Ministers consulting on mo- 
mentous questions, •.••.... r^ 

CHAPTER III. 

The plea opened in New Lisbon : struggles and success — The 
first convert — Co-operating agencies — ^John Secrest, Joseph 
Gaston — Wm. Schooley — Death of Gaston — John Whit- 
acre, 72 

CHAPTER IV. 

Origin of the Baptist Church in Warren — Biography of A. Bent- 
ley— The '* Siege of Warren ''—J. G. Mitchell— Stirring 
events — Sketch of Cyrus Bosworth — East Fairfield — Quar- 
terly Meeting — Death of Mitchell — The Church in Lords- 
town, , . . . . , . . . .91 

(V) 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

(AGE. 

The reformation in Salem — Opposition on the alert — A divis- 
ion — Origin of the *< Phillips " Church — Rise of the Baptist 
Church in North-west Canfield — The transition — Anec- 
dotes — Myron Sacket — Austintown — The remnant of 
**Zoar" — Notice of, by Scott — Visit by Bentley ; conver- 
sion of John Henry — Great success — A. Raines and the 
Universalists — Formation of the church — Sketch of Henry 
— Origin of the church in Braceville and Newton Falls — 
Ministers' meetings — Biography of Marcus Bosworth — 
Church on New Testament principles-^ Life of Jacob Os- 
borne, . . . , Ii6 

CHAPTER VI. 

Success of Scott in Windham — The church founded — Elder T. 
Campbell's visit to the Western Reserve — Biographies of 
A. Raines and E. Williams, and history of their conver- 
sion — A church planted in Freedom, .... 142 

CHAPTER VII. 

The Association in Warren, 1 828 — Great expectations — Wisdom 
of Mr. Campbell in the introductory sermon — Discussion 
on the reception of Raines — Excitement — Principles of 
union settled — Scott's circular — He is reappointed — Wm. 
Hayden selected as his associate — Biography of Hayden — 
Expectation of the Millennium, 161 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The church in Mentor — Of Baptist origin — Great overturn un- 
der Bentley and Rigdon — The first convert — The work ex- 
tends to Kirtland and Painesville — Progresses into Waite 
Hill— Biography of M. S. Clapp— Sketch of Violl, Miller, 
Dexter Otis — Alvin Waite — R. Storm — Church on the 
■ plains — The cause established in the town of Willoughby, 191 

CHAPTER IX. 
The advent of Mormonism, 209 



CONTENTS. Vll 

CHAPTER X. 

J»AGE. 

The principles of reform in Chardon — Origin of the Baptist 
Church — Bible investigation — Calvinistic theory of conver- 
sion — Nathan Porter — William Collins, biography of — 
Church established on King Street — Early preachers — 
Moved to the ** Square" — Pastors — Rise of the church in 
Munson — Labors of Collins, Hartzel, and others — Great 
success of Dr. Robison — Notice of O. Gates — ^J. G. Cole- 
man, Allen Harper — Firm home guards — The cause es- 
tablished in Burton, . 223 

CHAPTER XI. 

Origin of the churches in Mantua, Hiram, and Garrettsville — 
J. Rudolph, Sr. — Labors of Elder T. Campbell — Symonds 
Rider — Conflicts with Mormonism — Ordination of D. At- 
water and Z. Rudolph — Sketch of the church in Mantua — 
Obituary of Darwin Atwater — Biography of Rider — Ser- 
mon by President Hinsdale, with sketch of the church in 
Hiram — Church in Garrettsville — Successes — Origin and 
establishment of the Eclectic Institute, • . . • 237 

CHAPTER XII. 

The Association in Sharon, 1829 — Founding of the church by 
T. Campbell, Scott, and Bentley — Four evangelists chosen: 
Scott, Hayden, Bentley, and Bosworth — System of evan- 
gelizing— Hubbard Baptist Church in transition — Jesse 
Hall — Sketch of John Applegate — A living church — Be- 
zetta on Baptist principles — The ground contested — The 
reformation wins — Labors of Elder T. Campbell — Edward 
Scofield — Yearly Meeting — John T. Phillips — The evan- 
gelic Smith : biography of him, ..... 267 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Great meeting in Austintown, 1830 — The Association dissolved 
— Origin of the Yearly Meeting system — North Bloomfield 
— The union experiment — Benj. Alton — Church formed — 
Reorganized — Successes under Isaac Errett — Ministers fol- 
lowing — Farmington : church formed by Alton — Harvey 



Vm CONTENTS. 

PAOE. 

Brockett, conversion and biography — Other helps — Church 

in Green— W. Bartlett— E. Wakefield, . . . .295 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Primitive Christianity in Deerfield — Investigations — Light 
breaking in — Sketch of E. B. Hubbard — Experience of 
Jonas Hartzel — The Disciples uniting on New Testament 
principles — Visit of Bentley and Bosworth — Scott arrives — 
Great Sermon — Captains Alierton and Rogers — AUerton^s 
labors — Ground of stability — Experiences of Rev. John 
Schaeffer — He accepts the union principles and abandons 
Lutheranism, • . , • 3^1 

CHAPTER XV. 

Palmyra: spiritual declension — Church formed by Scott and 
Hayden — Shalersville — Opening found — Occupied by 
Hayden — The Disciples called together — Yearly Meetings 
— Anecdotes — Brockett's work — C. C. Foot — T. J, New- 
comb — Labors of A. B. Green and W. A. Belding — Ran- 
dolph — Deacon Churchill — Church raised up — Great 
Yearly Meeting, 1832 — Report of it by Hayden, ; , 332 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The awakening in Perry — Charge of heresy — D. Parmly the 
victim — Rigdon's zeal — The Church built on the Rock — 
A. Saunders— R. Veits— E. H. Webb— Other helps— 
Painesville — Preparatory work — Church organized by E. 
Williams and A. Saunders — Wise builders — Pastors — A 
good record — Pillars fallen, ...... 346 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Middlebury and Akron — The plea begun by Hubbard and Hay- 
den — Bosworth comes — Opposition and debate — M. L. Wil- 
cox and Graham — Vaughan's defection — The work revived 
by two sisters — Struggles — **Millerism" — The church re- 
established — Great meeting by Henry — Anecdote — Labor- 
ers in the vineyard — A new organization in Middlebury — 



CONTENTS. IX 

PAGE. 

Mogadore — Heralds of the glad tiding — Church arises — 
Opposition and method of silencing it — Yearly Meetings — 
Good example — Wadsworth — Elder O. Newcomb — A. B. 
Green — Hayden's visits — Church springs up — Great Meet- 
ing in Esquire Eyles' Barn — Mr. Campbell's candor and 
success — Advance movements — ^Yearly Meeting, 1835 — 
Anecdotes — Opposition: how met — A mother of preach- 
ers, 355 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Prelude of the reformation in Ravenna — Conversion of E. Will- 
iams- — Bosworth comes — Hayden follows, and forms the 
church — Helps — Self-reliance of the members — Infidelity 
abounding — Arrival of Campbell — Court adjourns to hear 
him — Demonstrative Sermon — Anecdotes — F. Williams — 
Chas. Judd — The church established in the village — Suc- 
cession of pastors — Obituary of S. McBride — Aurora — ^The 
ground pre-empted for Christ — Bold Invasion — Concurring 
helps of Bosworth, Bentley, and Henry — The Converts 
collected — A grove meeting — Mr. Campbell's Eloquence — 
Yearly Meeting in 1834 — C. Forward — Incidents — House 
burned and rebuilt — Preachers aiding— Anecdotes — The 
campaign begins in Stowe — Opposition — It stimulates the 
defense — The work extending to Franklin and Hudson. . 369 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Origin of the church in Bedford — Gaining Strength — First 
Yearly Meeting, 1839 — Memorable sermon by A. Camp- 
bell — Other great assemblies — Henry and Jones — Dr. J. P. 
Robison — Correspondence — Chas. F. Bartlett, obituary — 
Preachers who arose in Bedford — ^J. O. Beardslee — Head- 
quarters of the Board of Managers of the Ch. Missionary 
Society — Succession of helpers — The light dawning on 
Newburg — E. Williams' success — Church formed by Hay- 
den — Interesting conversions — Grove meeting on Col. 
Wightman's farm, 1835 — Exciting incidents — Church re- 
organized by Hartzell — Succeeding labors of J. D, Bene- 
dict and J. H. Jones — A flourishing Sunday-school — Inci- 
dents of the Yearly Meeting of 1835 — Anecdote, . . 387 



X CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Euclid (Collamer) — Door opened — Luther Dille and Mrs. 
Clarissa Dille — A. P. Jones — Rigdon comes — And Collins 
— The happy deacon — Church organized by Elder T. 
Campbell — J. J. Moss — W. O'Connor — Immense Yearly 
Meeting, 1837 — Coming of Henry — The captains captured 
— Centralizing in Collamer — A. S. Hayden among them — 
Subsequent history — Cleveland — How Hayden came, and 
who invited him — The young preachers — The old acad- 
emy — A. Campbell in the court-house — He silences the 
infidels — The way opened for Henry — His success, and 
formation of the church — Other helpers — Jones, Robison, 
Collins, Hayden — Change of location — Succession of pas- 
tors — East Cleveland — A Fourth-of-July meeting — Dr. N. 
H. Finney a convert — Chief supports — New church edifice 
— Success — Pastors, .... ... 408 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Royalton — ^John B. Stewart — Edward Scofield — Light from the 
** Christian Baptist" — E. Leonard brings Wm. Hayden — 
The ** church" closed, and the blacksmith-shop opened — 
Charter members — Anecdotes — Intense interest — Co-oper- 
ating agents — Wm. Moody — His experience and adoption 
of the principles of Christian union — Raises up a church 
in Lafayette — A pleasing conversion — Continued pros- 
perity of the church in Royalton — The Gospel brought into 
Granger and Ghent — Hayden, Wilcox, and P. Green — 
Obituary of Wilcox — The church in Pompey Street, Bruns- 
wick — Sketch of J. W. Lanphear— The church established 
at Hamilton Corners, 424 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Arrival of Bentley in the vicinity of Chagrin Falls — The church 
arises — First officers — Hayden preaches on the hay-scales — 
The church located in Chagrin Falls — Opposition arising — 
A debate — Excitement and results — Strength in the local 
members — Lectures by Isaac Errett — Infidelity defiant — 
Discussion, Garfield and Denton — Favorable result — 



CONTENTS. XI 

PAGE. 

Yearly meetings — Succession of overseers, deacons, and 
preachers — The sainted dead — A call from North Eaton — 
The church planted by M. J. Streator — Incidents — L. Cooley 
— Opposition — Colony in Bloomingdale, Michigan — Dedi- 
cations — Three great meetings — The church in Youngstown 
— Early agencies — Discussions : Hartzel, Waldo, and Sted- 
man — Mr. Campbell's interview with Rev. Boardman — 
Corrects public prejudice — Lanphear, first pastor — Great 
yearly meeting, 1843 — Prof. Anthon's testimony, in corres- 
pondence with Dr. E. Parmly — Succeeding helps — Pros- 
perity — A new church edifice, ...... 438 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Lessons of our Forty Years* Experience. Position stated 
— Its clearness and strength — Purpose explained — The 
Second Lesson stated, the due adjustment of the Evangel- 
ical and Pastoral work — The Third Lesson, from planting 
too many small churches — The cause of the weakness and 
decay of some — Illustration from Episcopacy — Our experi- 
ence points to better methods — The Fourth Lesson, the 
want of Records — Extremes of some Reformers — The 
Fifth Lesson, the importance of union of effort — Character 
of the Yearly Meeting system — Efforts for concert of ac- 
tion, and their failure — Illustration from the Eclectic Insti- 
tute — The final Lesson, ** Preach the Word," , . . 454 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

A.n abbreviated account of churches omitted, or recently or- 
ganized — Alliance — Auburn — Bazetta, West — Birming- 
ham — Brookfield — Bristol, North — Camden — Chester — 
Denmark — Edinburg — Elyria — Fairfield, North — Fowler — 
Footeville — Geneva — Hamden — Huntsburg — Hamilton's 
Corners — Hartsgrove — Hartford — Hinkley — Jackson, 
North — Little Mountain — Middlebury — Montville — Mor- 
gan — Niles — Norton — Orange, North — Orange, South — 
Russell — Solon — Southington — Thompson — Trumbull, 
East — ^Warrensville, 465 



The following resolutions, moved by Pres't. B. A, 
Hinsdale, were passed unanimously by the Western 
Reserve Christian Preachers* Association, held in 
Ravenna, Portage Co., Nov, 7, 8, and g, 1871. 
There were twenty-two preachers present : 

Whereas, It is greatly to be desired that the chronicles 
of the Western Reserve churches should be written : and 

Whereas, Bro. A. S. Hayden is preeminently the man 
to write them : therefore. 

Resolved, That we affectionately request Bro. Hayden 
to undertake this work ; and in case he consents, we ur- 
gently press upon him the desirability of its being under- 
taken as speedily, and prosecuted as rapidly, as his other 
engagements may permit. 

Resolved, That we pledge to Bro. Hayden, who has for 
years been collecting material for such a work, our united 
cooperation and moral support in his undertaking. 

A. B. Green, Pres't, of the Association. 
H. J. White, Sec. 



THE WESTERN RESERVE 

HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION. 



AS we shall have frequent occasion to refer to the 
Western Reserve in the course of the following 
work, we give here a brief description and historic 
account of it. This notice is collected from several 
sources, and presented somewhat abridged. 

This district of country, also called Cottnecticut 
Western Reserve^ and New Connecticut^ is situated 
in the north-east part of the State of Ohio. It is 
bounded on the north by Lake Erie, east by Penn- 
sylvania, south by the 41st parallel of north latitude, 
and on the west by Sandusky and Seneca counties. 
It extends 120 miles from east to west, and aver- 
ages about 50 from north to south. Its greatest 
breadth is at the east end, extending on the Penn- 
sylvania line 68 miles. The area includes about 
3,000,000 acres. It embraces the following counties, 
viz. : Ashtabula, Trumbull, north part of Mahoning, 
Lake, Geauga, Portage, Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, 
Lorain, Erie, and Huron. 

Connecticut became possessed of the land in 
question in the following manner : King Charles II. 
of England, pursuing the example of other sover- 
eigns, granted to the colony of Connecticut, in 1662, 
a charter-right to all lands in the new world included 
within certain specified limits. But as the geo- 

(xiii) 



14 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

graphical knowledge of Europeans concerning Amer- 
ica was very limited and confused, patents for lands 
often interfered with each other, and many of them, 
by their express terms, extended to the Pacific 
Ocean, or mythical "South Sea," which the Pacific 
Ocean was thought to be. Among the rest, that for 
Connecticut embraced all lands contained between 
the 41st and 42d parallels of north latitude, and 
from Providence Plantations on the east to the Pacific 
Ocean west, with the exception of the colonies of 
New York and Pennsylvania ; and, indeed, preten- 
sions to these were not finally relinguished without 
considerable altercation. When the colonies, as the 
result of the Revolutionary War, became a united and 
independent nation, these interfering claims occa- 
sioned much collision between the Federal Govern- 
ment and several of the States ; with no one more 
than Connecticut. Negotiations were pending for 
several years before a compromise was finally effected. 
In September, 1786, the State of Connecticut ceded 
to the United States her claim, both of soil and ju- 
risdiction, to all her charter-lands lying west of the 
present western limits of the *' Western Reserve." 
On the 30th of May, 1801, she also ceded her juris- 
dictional claims to all the territory called the ** West- 
ern Reserve of Connecticut," when, in fulfillment of 
the compact then formed, the President conveyed, by 
patent, the fee of the soil to the Governor of the 
State of Connecticut, for the use of grantees and 
purchasers claiming under her. This tract, includ- 
ing the '' Fire Lands," by a proclamation by Gov. 
St. Clair, September 22, 1800, was all erected into 
one county, and named TriimbtUly in honor of two 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 5 

successive governors of Connecticut. Of this mam- 
moth county Warren was the seat of justice. 

In May, 1795, the Legislature of Connecticut ap- 
pointed a commission to issue proposals and make 
sale of the lands she had "reserved" in the North- 
west Territory, afterward Ohio. This committee sold 
the lands to sundry citizens of that State and of 
other States. In September of that year the title 
was confirmed to the purchasers by deeds of convey- 
ance. The purchasers proceeded to survey into 
townships, of five miles square, the whole of this 
tract lying east of the Cuyahoga, the Indians still 
asserting their claims to the portion of it lying west 
of that river. By a treaty with them at Fort In- 
dustry, near Sandusky, in 1805, their claim was fin- 
ally extinguished in favor of the grantees of Con- 
necticut. 

The State of Connecticut sold out the lands to the 
contractors at 40 cents per acre, receiving for the 
sale one milHon two hundred thousand dollars. 
This money, permanently invested, constitutes her 
school fund. The State gave only a quit-claim deed, 
transferring only such title as she possessed, and 
leaving all the Indian titles of the "Reserve" to be 
extinguished by the purchasers. 

On the 4th of July, 1796, the first surveying party 
of the Western Reserve landed at the mouth of 
Conneaut Creek — the Plymouth of the Western Re- 
serve. Patriotic sons of revolutionary sires, and 
some, themselves, the participants in that immortal 
struggle, they prepared to give " to the day its due, 
and to patriotism its awards." With their tin ctips 
dipping fn^m the broad lake the crystal waters with 



1 6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

which to pledge the national honor, with the ord- 
nance accompanyment of a few fowling-pieces, they 
discharged the national salute. They called the 
place Fort Independence. 

** A cabin was erected on the bank of Conneaut 
Creek, and in honor of the commissary of the expe- 
dition, was called * Stowe Castle/ At this time the 
whole inhabitants west of the 'Genesee River and 
along the coasts of the lakes, were as follows : The 
garrison at Niagara, two families at Lewiston, one at 
Buffalo, one at Cleveland, and one at Sandusky. 
There were no other families east of Detroit, and 
with the exception of a few adventurers at the ' Salt 
Springs * of the Mahoning, the interior of New Con- 
necticut was an unbroken wilderness. 

^*The work of surveying was commenced at once. 
One party went southward on the Pennsylvania line 
to find the 41st parallel, and began to survey ; 
another, under Gen. Cleaveland, coasted along the 
lake to the mouth of the Cuyahoga, which they 
reached on the 22d of July, and there laid the foun- 
dation of the chief city of the Western Reserve. A 
large portion of the survey was made during that 
season, and the work was completed the following 
year." 

The surveying party numbered fifty-two persons, 
among whom were two females and one child. As 
these individuals were the advance of after millions 
of population, their names become worthy of record, 
and are therefore given, viz. : Moses Cleaveland, 
agent of the company ; Augustus Porter, principal 
surveyor ; Seth Pease, astronomer and surveyor ; 
Moses Warren, Amos Spafford, Milton Hawley, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 7 

Richard M. Stoddard, surveyors; Joshua Stowe, 
commissary ; Theodore Shepard, physician ; Joseph 
Tinker, principal boatman ; Joseph Mclntyre, George 
Proudfoot, Francis Gay, Samuel Forbes, Elijah 
Gunn, wife and child, Amos Sawten, Stephen Benton, 
Amos Barber, Samuel Hungerford, William B. Hall, 
Samuel Davenport, Asa Mason, Amzi Atwater, 
Michael Coffin, Elisha Ayres, Thomas Harris, Nor- 
man Wilcox, Timothy Dunham, George Goodwin, 
Shadrach Benham, Samuel Agnew, Warham Shep- 
ard, David Beard, John Bryant, Titus V. Munson, 
Joseph Landon, Job V. Stiles and wife, Charles 
Parker, Ezekiel Hawley, Nathaniel Doan, Luke 
Hanchet, James Hasket, James Hamilton, Olney F. 
Rice, John Locke, and four others whose names are 
not mentioned. 



l8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER I. 

PRELIMINARY AGENCIES. 

Debates with Walker and McCalla— The Christian Baptist—The 
Mahoning Association — Creed and Constitution — Memorable 
Sermon by A. Campbell — Biographies of Elder Thomas Camp- 
bell, and of A. Campbell. 

AMONG the causes operating to bring about a 
scriptural reform among the churches on the 
Western Reserve/ the following chain of events 
claims a prominent place: 

In the month of June, 1820, a discussion was held 
in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, between A. Campbell, founder 
and principal of the Buffalo Academy, Va., and Rev. 
John Walker, a minister of acknowledged ability 
among the Seceders. The discussion, taken down 
and published, was a marked event of the times. 
Mr. Campbell had already considerable reputation for 
scholarship and ability, and for his advocacy of the 
Christian religion as unfolded in the Bible, as distin- 
guished from its embodiment in the creeds and denom- 
inationalism of the day. Some of the more cautious 
of the Baptist ministers, with whom he then had a 
standing, were startled by the boldness and novelty 
of some of his views, especially in respect to the 
nature and claims of the Law of Moses, as pro- 
pounded in his famous sermon on that subject before 
the Redstone Association in 18 16. A large major- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I9 

ity, however, listened to his views and reasonings 
with instructed approbation. 

Among the more liberal in sentiment was Adam- 
son Bentley, pastor of the Baptist church in Warren, 
Ohio. He had read the debate with Walker. Form- 
ing a high estimate of Mr. Campbell's powers, and 
rightly judging that God had raised him up for a 
great work, he resolved at the earliest opportunity to 
make his personal acquaintance. 

A providential opportunity soon came for him to 
fulfill his purpose. Called into Kentucky on a mis- 
sion for the churches, he returned by Mr. Campbell's 
residence. Sidney Rigdon was with him. The fol- 
lowing is Mr. Campbell's account of their interview : 

*' After tea in the evening, we commenced and pro- 
longed our discourse till the next morning. Beginning 
with the baptism that John preached, we went back to 
Adam, and forward to the judgment. The dispensations 
or covenants — Adamic, Abrahamic, Jewish and Christian 
— passed and repassed before us. Mount Sinai in Arabia, 
Mount Zion, Mount Calvary, Mount Tabor, the Red Sea 
and the Jordan, the Passovers and the Pentecosts, the Law 
and the Gospel — but especially the ancient order of things 
and the modern — occasionally commanded and engaged 
our attention. 

'' On parting the next day, Sidney Rigdon, with all ap- 
parent candor, said, if he had within the last year taught 
and promulgated from the pulpit one error he had a thou- 
sand. At that time he was the great orator of the Mahon- 
ing Association — though in authority with the people 
second always to Adamson Bentley. I found it expedient 
to caution them not to begin to pull down any thing they 
had builded, until they had reviewed, again and again, 
what they had heard ; nor even then rashly and without 



20 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

much consideration. Fearing that they might undo their 
influence with the people, I felt constrained to restrain, 
rather than urge them forward in the work of reforma- 
tion. 

^' With many an invitation to visit the Western Re- 
serve, and with many an assurance of a full and candid 
hearing on the part of the uncommitted community, and 
an immediate access to the ears of the Baptist churches 
within the sphere of their influence, we took the parting 
hand. They went on their way rejoicing, and in the 
course of a single year prepared the whole association to 
hear us with earnestness and candor.'* 

Investigations of Bible truth led to liberality of 
viev^s among the people, and especially in the Bap- 
tist churches. The Mahoning Association was 
founded on the Philadelphia Confession of Faith as 
its organic law. But this system of doctrine did not 
receive the cordial consent of all. Discussions were 
common among the ministry and the members on 
the law as a rule of life for Christians — whether it 
was ever binding on Gentiles — the nature of faith — 
and the necessity for any other rules of faith or 
church articles besides the Holy Scriptures. As the 
light came apace, many became convinced that much 
reformation was needed to bring the churches up to 
the New Testament models 

It is probably illogical to refer this movement 
toward reform, so wide and so active, to any one 
leading impulse. As in all similar general move- 
ments which have become permanent, it is probably 
more correct to assign the result to several concur- 
rent causes. The peculiar character of the popula- 
tion of the Western Reserve, mostly from New 
England, with a liberal intermingling of people from 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 21 

other States, resulting in comparisons, often in col- 
lisions of views, was a powerful stimulus to investi- 
gation. Yet history would not be faithful to omit, 
as among the most direct evident causes and guides 
in this increasing demand for a restoration of the 
divinely established order of the Gospel, the writings 
and personal labors of Alexander Campbell. His de- 
bate with Rev. John Walker, published in 1821, and 
that with Rev. W. L. McCalla, which appeared in 
1824, distinguished by freedom from conventional 
forms of belief, and by their boldness and clearness 
of exposition of Scripture, served in some sort as a 
warrant to others equally inclined but less bold to 
burst the denominational shell in which they felt 
themselves confined. 

Added to these the " Christian Baptist,'' to which 
the preface was written the 4th of July, 1823, went 
forth monthly to advocate definitely and distinct- 
ively the restoration of the apostolic teaching and 
practice in all things ; in faith, conversion, baptism, 
the oflfice of the Holy Spirit, church order, and, 
summarily, every thing authorized by Jesus Christ, 
the Author and Finisher of the Christian religion. 

Many were prepared to welcome the " Christian 
Baptist" when it first appeared. In the winter of 
1822-3, Elder Bentley discoursed frequently on such 
themes as "The Law,'* "The Scriptures a Sufficient 
Guide," etc. Jacob Osborne, though young, was 
active and influential in promoting this search of 
the word for "things new and old." Sidney Rigdon 
added the persuasions of a very commanding and 
popular eloquence. Joseph Freeman, a promising 
young Baptist minister, who had spent some time in 



22 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Mr. Campbeirs seminary, made a tour of preaching 
in the winter of 1823-4, helping forward the tide 
now setting in toward Jerusalem. His worthy father 
also, the pious Elder Rufus Freeman, though never 
fully committed to follow the Apostles withersoever 
they go, yet took the liberal side in frequent dis- 
courses. Nor should the name of Edward Scofield 
be omitted as one of the same class. Besides these, 
many of less public note, as Deacon Rudolph, of 
Garrettsville ; Jesse Hall, of Hubbard ; Benjamin 
Ross, of Youngstown ; David Hays and William 
Dean, of Canfield, with many others whose names 
are in the Lamb's Book of Life, were hoping and 
laboring for a better day. 

This was especially true of the younger class of 
preachers, whose intellectual and religious activities 
were more ready for the coming investigations ; such 
men as Marcus Bosworth, William Hayden, Darwin 
Atwater, Zeb Rudolph, John Applegate, Nathan 
Porter, and William Collins. 

The disallegiance to creeds and confessions, and 
confidence in the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures, 
gained steady advancement. The Baptist church 
of Nelson, organized in 1808, by Elder Thos. G. 
Jones, was composed of members scattered over the 
territory of Nelson, Hiram, and a part of Mantua. 
So thoroughly satisfied had many of its members 
become of the detriment of the Confession of Faith 
to mature Christian manhood, that at a meeting of 
this church, held August 24, 1824, a resolution was 
passed, nearly unanimously, *' to remove the Phila- 
delphia Confession of Faith and the Church Arti- 
cles, and to take the Word of God for our Rule of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 23 

Faith and Practice." The two classes of views on 
the step thus taken were on the alert to maintain 
their ground. The brethren leading on this reform 
were Deacon John Rudolph, his two sons John and 
Zeb, and Darwin Atwater. The opposition was led 
by Mrs. Garrett, whose skill in fencings shrewdness, 
and determination, united with piety and talent, put 
her forward without an effort of hers, as the coun- 
selor and manager of the cause of the dissidents. 
She was a lady of culture and intelligence, well 
skilled in the "doctrines of grace" and the methods 
of their defense. She was a daughter of Rev. Dr. 
Jones, a Baptist minister, who held a chaplaincy 
under General Washington in the Revolutionary War. 
She lived to a great age. She was a prodigy of 
memory, displaying to the last the most accurate re- 
tention of names, dates, and events. 

The meeting of the association came close after 
this action of the church in Nelson. The church 
appointed Elder Rufus Freeman, its pastor; James 
Rudolph and Darwin Atwater as her messengers to 
that body. As no counteraction could be taken by 
the opposing members with any show of authority, 
Mrs. Garrett wrote a letter warning the association 
not to receive these messengers. No notice was 
taken of her letter, and the messengers were re- 
ceived. The next year, 1825, the association con- 
vened in Palmyra. Both parts of the church 'sent 
messengers, and all were received. For the reform- 
ing brethren they were : Jacob Osborne, ordained 
minister, John Rudolph and John Rudolph, Jr. In 
behalf of those holding the '* Articles," Joshua 
Maxon, Martin Manly, and Joseph Tinker. 



24 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

It will be readily seen in these movements of the 
churches, the origin of the queries which were sent 
to the association at Hubbard. They were received, 
entered on record, but held under advisement a 
whole year. In the minutes of its meeting in Pal- 
myra, 1825, the answers are given. The questions 
and answers are put together here. This was Mr. 
Campbeirs first appearance in the Mahoning Asso- 
ciation : 

^^ Answers to the queries from the church at Nelson, 

'* Query i. Will this association hold in its connection 
a church which acknowledges no other rule of faith and 
practice than the Scriptures ? 

'^ Ans, Yes. On satisfactory evidence that they walk 
according to this rule. 

** Query 2. In what manner were members received in- 
to the churches that were set in order by the Apostles ? 

^^Ans. Those who believed and were baptized were added 
to the church. 

'* Query 3. How were members excluded from those 
churches ? 

^' Ans, By a vote of the brethren. 

^^ Answer to the query from New Lisbon, 

'' Query, Is it scriptural to license a brother to adminis- 
ter the word, and not the ordinances ? 

^^ Ans, We have i\o such custom taught in the scrip- 
tures. 

^^ Answer to the query from Randolph, viz. : 

Can associations in their present modifications find their 
model in the New Testament ? 

'^ Ans. Not exactly.^' 

The tendency of religious inquiry is here clearly 
exhibited. The source also of some of the answers 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 25 

is discernible. The answer to the last one at 
least is authoritatively attributed to Mr. Campbell. 
The wisdom of it, admitting the need of a scriptural 
reformation, yet carefully avoiding direct collision 
with the tenacious elders, was commented on at the 
time as evidence of his prudence in counsel. 

The Mahoning Association, its Constitution 
AND Creed. 

Associations among the Baptists are voluntary 
unions of churches, for mutual encouragement, for 
counsel in church affairs, and for protection against 
heresy and impostors. Each church is entitled to 
three representative messengers, who bring with 
them a written statement of its creed. If this docu- 
ment is orthodox, or in harmony with its accepted 
standards of faith, the church is received by a plu- 
rality vote, upon which the moderator gives the 
right hand of fellowship to its messengers, and bids 
them to a seat. 

The Mahoning Association was formed on Wed- 
nesday, the 30th of August, 1820. There is some- 
thing curious, if not significant, in the fact that in 
those days the associations took their names from 
rivers : Thus we had the Beaver Association, the 
Grand River Association ; one bears the name of 
Huron, another is called Stillwater ; and the Mahon- 
ing River is equally honored. 

Another circumstance : Baptist churches were in 
the habit of assuming names having a sentimental 
or historical import. Thus the church of Warren 
was called *' Concord;" that in Nelson " Be- 
thesda " — probably in allusion to John v : 2, and the 
3 



26 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

healing of the helpless by the compassionate Re- 
deemer. The church in Youngstown took the name 
'*Zoar," significantly reminding its members that 
when the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Go- 
morrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of 
heaven, Lot found safety by fleeing from destruc- 
tion, and entering into Zoar, Gen. xix: 23, 24. A 
church on the Sandy was known as the ** Valley of 
Achor," teaching us that admission into it was en- 
trance into a **door of hope." Hosea ii : 15. The 
church in Hubbard was " Mount Hope." " Bethel " 
is met with in several associations. 

These and others are found on the records of their 
history. It is important to know them, not only as 
showing a habit of that people, but as explanatory 
of some things in the history. 

The constitution of the *' Mahoning Baptist Asso- 
ciation " declares : 

**It is our object to glorify God. This we would en- 
deavor to do by urging the importance of the doctrine 
and precepts of the gospel in their moral and evangelical 
nature, commending ourselves to every man's conscience 
in the sight of God; not pretending to have authority 
over any man's [conscience,] nor over the churches, 
whose representatives form this association. But we act 
as an advisory counsel only, disclaiming all superiority, jur- 
isdiction, coercive right and infallibility; and acknowledg- 
ing the independence of every church ; which has received 
authority from Christ to perform all duties enjoined re- 
specting the government of his church in this world.** 

If ecclesiastical authority was vested in the asso- 
ciation, it will be seen that it existed in a very mild 
form. It was not constituted as a court of appeal. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 2/ 

It assumed no judicial nor executive powers over the 
churches. It existed as an ** advisory council" 
merely, and for the custodial charge of '* the doc- 
trine" and *'the precepts" of the gospel. What the 
association meant by " the doctrine " and " the pre- 
cepts " of the gospel will be apparent a little further 
on when we give its " creed," for the conservation 
of which the framers of its constitution deemed it 
important to compact the churches into this union. 
It is safe to say that of all the forms of modern ec- 
clesiasticism, the association was the least liable to 
complaint, as it contained the greatest liberty with 
the least "coercive" restraint upon the conscience. 
It is to be lamented that all bodies are liable to tran- 
scend their constitutional limits, and in some States 
the association has been made an engine of usurpa- 
tion and tyranny, of which the ** Star Chamber" in 
its healthiest day might have been emulous. The 
*' Beaver Anathema," the " Appomattox and Dover 
Decrees " of Pennsylvania and of Virginia, are ample 
confirmations of the truth of this statement, as also 
the tortuous and vindictive policy of the Redstone 
Association. But those outbursts of clerical intol- 
erance were spasmodic and unauthorized, resulting in 
far greater damage to the actors in those scenes of 
persecution, than to the disciples against whom 
their fulminations of power were directed. 

The creed of the association is thus set forth in 
its constitution : 

*' The doctrine of this association is as follows : 

^* I. Three persons in the Godhead — the Father, the 

Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one. i 

John v: 7. 



28 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

^' 2. Eternal and personal election to holiness, and the 
adoption of children by Jesus Christ the Redeemer. Eph. 

i: 4, 5- 

'* 3. The condemnation of all mankind in consequence 
of Adam's transgression. Rom. v: 16, 18. 

'^4. The depravity of all mankind, in all the faculties of 
the soul, the understanding, will, and affections. Col. i : 
18; Acts xxvi : 18; Eph. iv: 18, 23; John v: 40; 
Rom. viii. 7. 

''5. Particular redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ. 
Rom. v: 9 ; Isa. xxxv. 10; John vi : 37, 39. 

^'6. Pardon of all sin through the merits of Christ's 
blood to all true believers, i John i: 7; Col. i: 14; 
Acts X : 43. 

** 7. Free justification by the righteousness of Christ 
imputed to all true believers. Jer. xxxiii : . 6 ; i Cor. i : 
30; Rom. ix : 5, 18, 19. 

*^ 8. The irresistible power of the Holy Ghost in re- 
generation. Eph. ii: i; Johni: 13. 

^'9. The perseverance of the saints in grace, by the 
power of God unto eternal life. John x : 27, 28, 29 ; 
Col. iii : 3, 9 ; John x : 29. 

*' 10. Water baptism, by immersion of the whole body 
of the party, so as to be buried with Christ by baptism ; 
and not by sprinkling or pouring, as the manner of some 
is. Mark i : 9, 10; John iii: 23; Acts viii: ^^, 39; 
Rom. vi : 4; Col. ii : 12; Heb. x : 22. 

'* II. The subjects of baptism: those who repent 
of their sins and believe in Christ, and openly confess 
faith in the Son of God. Matt, iii: 8; Acts viii: 37; 
x: 47. 

*' 12. The everlasting punishment of the finally impen- 
itent in as unlimited sense as the happiness of the right- 
eous. Matt. XXV : 41-46 ; Mark iii : 29 ; Rev. xiv : 11. 

*' 13. We believe that the first day of the week is the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 29 

Lord's day, and that it ought to be held sacred to the 
memory of Christ's glorious resurrection, and devoted in a 
special manner to the duties of religion. 

'^ Finally, we believe the Holy Scriptures to be the only 
certain rule of faith and practice." 

The Mahoning Association was formed from the'; 
Beaver, and in this statement of its faith it copied, 
without change, that of the Beaver Association. 

It is remarkable that while the association declared 
fully its creed in its constitution, each church was 
at liberty to form its own creed, only provided its 
declaration of doctrine agreed in sentiment with that 
of the association. It seemed to be much trouble to 
"fix" this business. A creed mania prevailed, and 
the churches vied with each other in fencing out 
heresy, and fencing in their orthodoxy with walls 
broad and high, built of the " soundest " material of 
Christendom. Their Calvinism was the diamond of 
" purest ray serene." They sought to eliminate all 
gaseous and volatile elements from the mixture. 
They aimed to form a compound of belief so pure, 
doctrinally, and so translucent, that it should resist 
the action of the elements and never more be subject 
to corrosion or decay ! 

Alas ! for all human hope ! Revolution stops not 
to unbuild. It often sweeps the foundation of m.any 
a massive structure, and with it its admired turret, 
cope, and dome. When it became apparent that 
these belabored theories of divine grace and of hu- 
man regeneration were not the gospel delivered , 
over to the Holy Twelve, it mattered little how 
sound, or firm, or beautiful. They were in the way. 
They were ** stumbling blocks" in the way of the 



30 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

union of the Lord's people. Remove them, saith the 
prophet. Isa. Ivii : 14. 

As a specimen of the orthodox belief which could 
pass the gate unchallenged, I append two articles of 
the creed of one of the strong churches of the asso- 
ciation. It is the articles of belief of the church of 
Youngstown, called " Zoar." This creed was copied 
by several other churches, evidently because the 
tone of its ring showed it to be pure metal. The 
whole creed of this church is elaborated in thirteen 
articles of great length and precision : 

'* 8. We believe that the work of regeneration, conver- 
sion, sanctification, and belief is not an act of man's free 
will and power, but of the mighty, efficacious, and irresis- 
tible grace of God. 

** 9. We believe that all those who are chosen by the 
Father, redeemed by the Son, and sanctified by the Spirit, 
shall certainly and finally persevere ; so that not one of 
them shall ever perish, but shall have everlasting life.'* 

Does the reader weary under its length and pon- 
derous terms ? What think you, then, of the patience 
of the saints of those days, who, four times a year, 
sat uncovered and reverent to hear it all ; nay, 
whose pity is not awakened for the new converts, 
the lambs, who must hear it over, and profess be- 
lief in each and every item of it ! When Philip 
said to the eunuch " If thou believest with all thy 
heart thou mayest " — as he had never seen and mas- 
tered this confession, nor any other of modern or- 
thodoxy — it is certain he simply called for the con- 
vert's faith in Jesus Christ as alone sufficient for 
obedience and all the demands of a new life. 

It is cheering to know that ever since the great 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 3 1 

Saxon sounded the note of liberty of conscience, 
every new body is more and more liberal, approach- 
ing gradually to the primitive order of the gospel of 
Christ. The Mahoning Association was no excep- 
tion. It was far more tolerant than its ecclesiastical 
ancestors, the Redstone and the Wooster Associa- 
tions. As proof, in 1824, she admitted the church 
of Wellsburg, Virginia, with a statement of belief 
containing not one hint of the "doctrines of grace," 
commonly known as Calvinism ! In that year the 
church of Wellsburg was formed, the members hav- 
ing been dismissed for that purpose from the church 
of Brush Run, and it sought admission into the Ma- 
honing Association. It appointed A. Campbell, 
John Brown, and George Young its messengers to 
carry the church letter and to ask admission. 

The statement of belief which these messengers 
bore to the association, was written by Mr. Campbell, 
who himself did not attend its meeting, wishing to 
be present at the Redstone Association, where a 
coalition was forming against him on account of his 
published views of reformation. 

The statement of belief here follows, copied from 
the records of the association, which met that year in 
Hubbard : 

"A Belief of the Wellsburg Church. 

''We have agreed to walk together in obedience to the 
authority and institution of our Lord and King, as ex- 
posed in the form of sound words delivered unto us by 
the apostles, evangelists, and prophets of the Savior, and 
recorded in the Holy Scriptures of the volume called the 
New Testament. Our views of this volume are briefly 



^2 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

these: — We believe that the whole Christian religion is 
fully and explicitly developed in it, and that nothing is 
ever to be added thereto, either by any new revelations 
of the Spirit, or by any doctrines or commandments of 
men ; but that it is, as presented to us, perfectly adapted 
to all the wise and holy ends of its all-wise and benevo- 
lent Author. 

*/ From this volume, with the Old Testament Scripture, 
which we also receive as of divine inspiration and author- 
ity, we learn every thing necessary to be known of God, 
his works of creation, providence and redemption ; and 
considering the Old Testament as containing the Jew's 
religion as fully as the New contains the Christian, we 
avail ourselves of both as containing every thing profit- 
able for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruc- 
tion in righteousness, to make the man of God perfect, 
thoroughly furnished unto every good work. But we 
adhere to the New, as containing the whole Christian re- 
ligion. The New teaches us — and we solemnly declare 
our belief of it — that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of 
God, the Savior, which was to come into the world ; that 
died for our sins, was buried,, and rose again the third day 
from the dead, and ascended to the right hand of the 
Majesty on high; that after his ascension he sent down 
the Holy Spirit to convince the world of sin, of right- 
eousness, and of judgment, by giving testimony of tlie 
Savior, and by confirming the word of the apostles by 
signs, and miracles, and spiritual gifts; that every one 
that believeth by means of the demonstration of the Holy 
Spirit and the power of God, is born of God, and over- 
cometh the world, and hath eternal life abiding in him ; 
that such persons, so born of the Spirit, are to receive 
the washing of water as well as the renewal of the Holy 
Spirit in order to admission into the Church of the living 
God. 

^^ And that such being the natural darkness and enmity 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 33 

of the children of men, and their hearts so alienated from 
the life of God through the ignorance that is in them and 
by their wicked works, none can enter into this kingdom 
of heaven but in consequence of the regeneration or re- 
newal of the Holy Spirit. For it is now, as it ever was, 
that only to as many as received Him, who are born not 
of blood, nor the will of the flesh, but of God, does He 
give power to become the sons of God, even to them that 
believe in His name. For we are born again not of cor- 
ruptible seed, but by the incorruptible seed of the word 
of God, which abideth forever. 

'^ Our views of the Church of God are also derived 
from the same source, and from it we are taught that it is 
a society of those who have believed the record that God 
gave of His Son : that this record is their bond of union ; 
that after a public profession of this faith, and immersion 
into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they 
are to be received and acknowledged as brethren for 
whom Christ died. That such a society has a right to 
appoint its own bishops and deacons, and to do all and 
every thing belonging to a church of Christ, independent 
of any authority under heaven. '* 

This document is especially noticeable for — 

Its manly independence ; 

Its freedom from technicality and creed verbiage ; 

Its comprehension of the whole matter of faith 
and obedience to Christ; 

Its marked exaltation of the Holy Scriptures ; 

Its assertion of their absolute sufficiency for all 
Christian purposes ; 

Its discrimination between the Jewish and Chris- 
tian portions of the Bible ; 

Its declaration of the necessity of personal re- 
generation ; 



34 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Its recognition of the Holy Spirit as the agent of 
that change ; 

Its affirmation of the power of the gospel as the 
means of faith and conversion ; 

Its repudiation of all human authority over the 
churches ; 

Finally, that it contains the germs of the relig- 
ious reformation about being initiated, and which 
has since spread so wonderfully in the world. 

In August, 1826, the Mahoning Baptist Associa- 
tion was held in Canfield, then in Trumbull County. 
It convened in a barn belonging to David Hays, who 
was a pillar in the church. Adamson Bentley was 
the moderator, and Joab Gaskill, clerk. 

Among the ministers in attendance were A. 
Bentley ; Thomas Campbell and Alexander Camp- 
bell, of Virginia ; Walter Scott, of Pittsburgh ; Sidney 
Rigdon, Thomas Miller, William West, Corbly Mar- 
tin, and Jacob Osborne. 

It was customary in the association to have preach- 
ing for the public while the messengers were trans- 
acting business. A. Campbell preached on Saturday. 
Disapproving of all priestly style, either in language, 
mien, or garb, he was dressed in a plain suit of 
drab. He stood up as a man — a Christian man — 
rather than as a ** minister,*' to teach the Christian 
religion as he read it in the Scriptures. His man- 
ner impressed even youth with his superiority. He 
was somewhat emaciated, suffering from dyspepsia. 
His subject was the 7th chapter of Romans : a deep 
subject, but his exhibition of it was so lucid and in- 
structive that he riveted attention to the close. 

The meeting, Saturday, ended with a baptism. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 35 

The congregation retired over a lawn of velvet and 
green to a stream near by, flowing among rocks, and 
skirted by a grove. They proceeded to the water 
singing, and returned in the same manner. 

The Congregational meeting-house, at the center 
of the town, was procured for Sunday. At a very 
early hour it was filled, and many around it endeav- 
ored to hear. Rigdon and Scott preached in the 
morning. Some having heard the eloquent preacher 
from Pittsburgh, left the meeting, supposing they had 
heard Mr. Campbell, whose name had already become 
famous. Mr. Campbell followed after a brief recess. 
He founded his discourse on Malachi iv : 2 : " Unto 
you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteous- 
ness arise with healing in his wings." He an- 
nounced his theme, **The Progress of revealed 
Light.'' His discourse abounded in thoughts so 
fresh, he made his theme so luminous and instruct- 
ive, that the most rapt attention followed him 
throughout the delivery. 

Seizing on the evident analogy between light and 
knowledge, and using the former, as the Scripture 
every-where does, as a metaphor for the latter, the 
eloquent preacher exhibited the gradual and pro- 
gressive unfolding of divine revelation under four 
successive periods of development, which he charac- 
terized as, 1st, The Starlight Age; 2d, The Moon- 
light Age ; 3d, The Twilight Age ; 4th, The Sun- 
light Age ; and employed these respectiyely to ex- 
plain, 1st, The Patriarchal; 2d, The Jewish Dis- 
pensation ; 3d, The ministry of John the Baptist, 
with the personal ministry of the Lord on the earth ; 
and, 4th, The full glory of the perfect system of sal- 



36 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

vation under the apostles when the Holy Spirit was 
poured out on them, after the ascension and coronation 
of Jesus as Lord of all. Under his remarks, and 
applications of his theme, the whole Bible became 
luminous with a light it never before seemed to pos- 
sess. The scope of the whole book appeared clear 
and intelligible ; its parts were so shown to be in har- 
mony with each other, and with the whole, that the ex- 
hibition of the subject seemed little else to many than 
a new revelation, like a " second sun risen on mid- 
noon," shedding a flood of light on a book hitherto 
looked upon as dark and mysterious. The style of 
the preacher was plain, common sense, manly. His 
argumentation was sweeping, powerful, and convinc- 
ing ; and above all, and better, his manner of preach- 
ing formed so pleasing and instructive a contrast 
with the customary style of taking a text merely, 
or of sermonizing, in which mystery prevailed and 
the *' darkness " became " visible," that the assembly 
listened to the last of a long address scarcely conscious 
of the lapse of time. At the conclusion of the ser- 
mon, after dwelling with earnest and thrilling elo- 
quence on the glory of the gospel dispensation, the 
consummation of all the revelations of God, the Sun 
of righteousness " now risen with healing in his 
wings," putting an end to the moonlight and star- 
light ages, he proceeded : 

^'The day of light, so illustrious in its beginning, be- 
came cloudy. The Papacy arose and darkened the 
heavens for a long period, obscuring the brightness of the 
risen glory of the Sun of righteousness so that men groped 
in darkness. By the reformation of the 17th century that 
dark cloud was broken in fragments ; and though the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. ^ 

heavens of gospel light are still obscured by many clouds — 
the sects of various names — the promise is that ' at evening- 
time it shall be hght/ The primitive gospel, in its 
effulgence and power, is yet to shine out in its original 
splendor to regenerate the world.'* 

That discourse was never forgotten. It never will 
be. It formed an era in respect to the gospel on the 
Western Reserve. The shell of sect-sermons was 
broken. The Bible was a new book ; its meaning 
could be comprehended ; its language could be 
understood. 

Early in August, 1823, was issued from Buffalo 
Creek, Va., (now Bethany), the first number of the 
" Christian Baptist." It was edited by Alex. Campbell. 
It was a monthly, devoted to the promulgation, expo- 
sition and defense of the Christian religion as it is 
expressly revealed in the New Testament. Its bold 
exposition of prevailing errors, and uncompromising 
defense of the *' faith once delivered to the saints," 
will be at once perceived by the Scripture motto 
which stood at the head of every monthly number 
for the whole seven years it continued to be published : 

" Style no mmi on earth your father ; for He alone 
is your father who is in heaven ; and all ye are breth- 
ren. Assume 710 1 the title of Rabbi; for ye have only 
one teacher: neither assume the title of leader, for ye 
have only one leader, the Messiah : " instructions of the 
Lord Messiah, in Matth. xxiii: 8, 9. 

The sentiments and positions of the "Christian 
Baptist " were so fresh, so free from the shackles of 
doctrinal form peculiar to any sect, so rational, man- 
ifestly so scriptural, and enforced by abilities so 
varied and commanding, that the work increased its 



38 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

circulation every year. It paid no deference to reign- 
ing customs. Following its motto, it owned no mas- 
ter, no leader, but Christ. Its editor was unsparing 
in his denunciations of the clergy, who, as he averred, 
had usurped the thrones of the Holy Twelve. The 
exclusive right of the inspired apostles to the twelve 
thrones of Christendom, was asserted and vindicated 
with great power. It was the peculiar feature of the 
" Christian Baptist*' that it put forth no doctrinal basis 
on which to unite the disciples of Christ, except 
what the apostles proclaimed at the beginning. 

The boldness of its bugle-blast of reform startled 
the slumbering camps of the half-sleeping Israel. 
Gideon's cake, which smote the tent and laid it all 
along in ruins, was not more significant nor decisive 
in its portent of the issues of the coming contest. 

Mr. Campbell's visits to the Western Reserve, not 
only at the annual gatherings of the associations, but 
at the ministers' meetings also, gave great impulse to 
the views of reform propounded in his periodical, and 
thus prepared the way for a mighty breaking up in 
things ecclesiastic, and the revolution soon to follow. 
These ministers' meetings among the Baptist preach- 
ers were much the same as the preachers' associa- 
tions more recently established among the Disciples. 
It seems, from best obtainable information, that 
Elder Adamson Bentley was chiefly instrumental 
in establishing them. Being himself a gentleman 
of culture, possessed of more than the average edu- 
cation and reading existing among the Baptist cler- 
gymen of that day — having, with other advantages, 
had the benefits of association with the celebrated 
Dr. Stoughton of Philadelphia — he felt the need of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 39 

elevating the standard of ministerial qualification 
among his Baptist brethren. He accordingly en- 
couraged them to meet statedly for mutual improve- 
ment. 

In June, 1821, the ministers' meeting was held in 
Warren. Mr. Campbell attended, and this was prob- 
ably his first visit to the Western Reserve. His rep- 
utation had preceded him. William Hayden and 
many others came to the meeting, desiring to hear 
him and make his acquaintance. 

When Hayden entered the house, Mr. Campbell 
was speaking. He had never seen him, but was fa- 
miliar with his name and his history. " Who is v 
that.^" he said to himself — "so tall and straight, with 
such piercing eyes ! What a shrill, penetrating voice ! 
That must be Campbell." So he thought and so 
it was. He was far in advance of the preachers 
present in learning, ability, and acquaintance with the 
Christian institution, yet he declined asserting any 
superiority among them, leaving them the fullest 
liberty of discourse and investigation. 

Some one propounded the question ** Whether the 
apostolic preaching and mode of establishing churches 
is an example binding on us ? " " Certainly," re- 
sponded Mr. Campbell, in his turn, " in all cases pos- 
sible." The subject of election, a doctrine held by 
all the Baptist ministry, came up for remark, as one 
of the sermons was under review. Mr. Campbell 
affirmed "that preaching the doctrine of election 
never converted a single sinner to God." " Astonish- 
ing ! " retorted Elder Freeman, " Astonishing ! " 
"Where are they.?" inquired Mr. Campbell. Mr. 
Freeman replied, " all around you ! " "I very much 



40 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

doubt it/' responded Mr. Campbell ; adding, *' you 
have preached election, foreordination, effectual call- 
ing and perseverance ; and along with it you have 
held up the love of God to lost sinners, the death of 
Christ for their salvation, his resurrection for their 
justification, the final judgment and eternal glory: 
sinners were converted, and you have attributed it to 
the Calvinistic * doctrines of grace.* " 

The right interpretation of the Scriptures ; that 
they were to be understood ; that the same rules of 
interpretation were to be applied to them, as to other 
writings ; that no new rules were to be coined for 
their benefit ; that they were not to be applied to the 
building up of any sect; that the word of God, 
rightly interpreted and applied, would put an end to 
religious controversy, and restore the primitive union 
of the church ; these, and kindred themes, as novel 
to many as they were convincing, came up in state- 
ment and illustration. 

It is necessary in opening this history to present 
a short biography of some of the men through whose 
instrumentality God led his people into a clearer 
knowledge of his " ancient paths." They were men 
of no mean abilities, and descended from a race not 
unknown in history. The Campbell clan of Scotland 
and the North of Ireland was once the most nu- 
merous and among the most powerful of the races 
which in feudal times disputed for the mastery of 
Scotland. Inheriting the high, ambitious, and cher- 
ished traditional honors of such an ancestry, when 
the heroic Knox rescued that mountain land from the 
f^rasp of Romanism, and established there the Ge- 
nevan reformation, they enlisted in the defense of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 4I 

Presbyterianism with all the enthusiasm wnich, in 
former times, distinguished the tournament and the 
profession of arms ; and even when that form of 
religion was shattered by the shock of religious 
strife, and riven into fragmentary sects, the world 
witnessed, on another theater, a display of the char- 
acteristic qualities of this race of noble men : 

Biography of T. Campbell. 

Thomas Campbell,* father of Alexander Campbell, de- 
scended from the Campbells of Argyleshire. He was born 
, in County Down, near Newry, Ireland, February i, 1763. 
He was the oldest of four sons. His father, Archibald 
Campbell, who served as a soldier in the British Army 
under General Wolfe, and who was at the capture of Que- 
bec, gave him and his three brothers, James, Archibald, 
and Enos, the advantages of culture and an English edu- 
cation in a military academy. 

Thomas Campbell began in early life to exhibit the 
serious and meditative dispositions of heart which in all 
his life were so manifest to all who knew him. The rigid 
formalities of the Episcopal Church, of which his father 
was a strict member, failed to satisfy the deeply religious 
feelings, which were early awakened in him. He fled to 
the gospels. He found more congenial, spiritual aliment 
among the warm-hearted and zealous Seceders. Among 
this people — a branch of the Presbyterian Church, a se- 
cession from the Kirk of Scotland — he became deeply 
anxious for his soul's salvation. He passed through men- 
tal struggles of indescribable anguish. The coveted peace 
at length dawned on his soul, and in the raptures of grat- 



* For the materials of this sketch of this excellent man, I am 
chiefly indebted to Prof. Richardson's learned and admirable work, 
** Memoirs of A. Campbell ; " to which the reader is referred for 
fuller information. 

4 



42 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

itude for so great a deliverance, he resolved to consecrate 
himself to the public service of the blessed Redeemer, to 
whom his soul now clung with the ardors of a most de- 
voted love. He was soon rapidly on the road to the min- 
istry. Being an excellent English scholar, he engaged for 
awhile in teaching. In the University of Glasgow he 
completed the usual classical studies, and also a course in 
medicine and lectures in law. He next completed the 
theological course in Divinity Hall, under Archibald 
Bruce, D.D., a master of profound abilities, and was com- 
missioned, under the rigid and thorough examinations of 
the Scotch Seceder Church, with the full credentials of the 
Christian ministry. 

In June, 1787, he was united in marriage to Miss 
Jane Corneigle, whose ancestors were of the French Hu- 
guenots, the Protestant reformers who were driven out of 
France by the bloody persecutions of the papacy under 
Louis XIV. She was a lady of equal dignity and gen- 
tleness, with mental and moral endowments fitted to be a 
queen. With this superior Christian woman, the faithful 
companion of all his cares and toils. Elder Thomas Camp- 
bell spent the greater part of his laborious and useful life. 
She was the mother of eight children, four sons and four 
daughters — one son dying young — and lived to impress her 
own virtues upon all. 

Mr. Campbell served for some time as a pastor of a 
church near the city of Armagh. His habits in that ca- 
pacity were ordered by the same rules of exactness, thor- 
oughness, and affectionate kindness which marked all his 
course in life. He visited, conversed, taught the people 
privately the duties of social life, prayed with them, re- 
lieved them, in which benefaction his wife was ever his 
cheerful assistant, and in many ways labored, for the in- 
crease of the piety and the personal improvement of the 
people under his charge. 

He cultivated early and ever that deep reverence for 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 43 

the Bible which made him so familiar with its meaning 
and its language, and, which, by exalting the word of 
God into such incomparable pre-eminence above all hu- 
man compositions, laid the foundations for the attempt to 
discard all human creeds as bonds of union, and to unite 
all the true followers of Christ into the 'unity of the 
spirit and the bond of peace/ His faith was equal to 
any demands upon it from that infallible, divine authority. 
Simple trusting reliance on the Lord, and childlike obe- 
dience to all his known requirements constituted the whole 
of his religion practically viewed. 

An anecdote related of him by Professor Richardson, 
so strikingly illustrates this admirable trait of his religious 
life, and displays so well his calm self-possession, that I do 
not withhold it. 

During the political agitations, embittered by the heated 
antipathies of Catholics and Protestants, by which so- 
ciety was rent and life made insecure, *'Mr. Campbell 
was one day preaching to a congregation, when the house 
was suddenly surrounded by a troop of Welsh Horse, no- 
torious for their severities and outrages on those they con- 
ceived to be rebels. The captain, conceiving that in this 
remote place he had come upon a meeting of the rebels, 
dismounted, and in a threatening manner marched into 
the church. It was a moment of awful suspense. The 
audience were panic-stricken, expecting every moment to 
be subjected to the fury of the soldiers. Just at this mo- 
ment, as the captain stalked up the aisle, casting fierce 
glances on all sides, a venerable elder sitting near Mr. 
Campbell called to him solemnly : * Pray^ sir ! * Where- 
upon, in response to the call, and in a deep, unfaltering 
voice, he began in the language of the forty-sixth Psalm : 
* Thou, O God, art our refuge and strength : a very pres- 
ent help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear though 
the earth be removed, and though the mountains be car- 
ried into the depths of the sea.' No sooner was the 



44 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

first verse uttered, then the captain paused, and, appar- 
ently impressed, bent his head, listened to the close, then 
bowed, and retracing his steps, mounted his horse and 
dashed away with his entire troop/* 

Under the united duties of the care of the church, 
and the work of teaching, his health was impaired. A sea 
voyage was resolved upon as the necessary means of re- 
covery. Accordingly on the 8th of April, 1807, after 
bidding an affectionate farewell to his congregation, and 
leaving his school in the hands of his oldest son, Alexan- 
der, he commended his family tenderly to God, and sailed 
out of harbor in a vessel bound for Philadelphia, into 
which port he entered after a prosperous voyage of thirty- 
five days. 

In the emigration then flowing from the old world to 
the shores of the United States, many of Mr. Campbell's 
intimate friends had preceded him to this country, and 
some of them, as the Hodgens and the Fosters, came soon 
after. Among these, Mr. Campbell found the most hospi- 
table welcome. He began at once to urge the claims of 
the gospel — the undivided gospel of God upon the people. 
His charitable spirit, with his able expositions of Scrip- 
ture, drew around him the pious of different church com- 
munions. As no reason appeared for their separation, but 
rather many for their union in worship and work on Bible 
principles, they agreed to form an association of Chris- 
tians, to meet statedly for personal advancement in knowl- 
edge and duty. They soon felt the importance of diffus- 
ing for the good of others those principles which they 
found so congenial to the word of God, and such an en- 
largement of their own hearts. Thus come into being the 
** Christian Association/* of Washington, Pa., which issued 
the very first document of this reformation, which now 
girdles the globe, and holds a membership of five or six 
hundred thousand souls ! That document written by 
Elder Thomas Campbell, is a pamphlet of 56 pages, titled 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 45 

''Declaration and Address of the Christian Association of 
Washington, Pa." It is a remarkable production — for 
its catholicity, its supreme exaltation of the word of God, 
its clear, unequivocal statement of the true and only- 
practical ground of union, and its enunciation of all the 
principles of this rising religious movement. It came 
from the press in the autumn of 1809. 

In the same fall he was joined by his family. For 
more than forty years he plead for the religion of Christ 
among men. He traveled extensively, and was every- 
where listened to with marked attention for his distin- 
guished abilities, and for the dignity and urbanity of his 
manners. He died at the age of ninety-one, honored of 
all. 

Biography of A. Campbell. 

*' Alexander Campbell was born September 1 2th, 1 788, 
in the County of Antrim, Ireland. But though born in 
Ireland, his ancestors were, on one side, of Scotch origin, 
and on the other, descended from the Huguenots, in 
France. Inheriting a vigorous and well-balanced physical 
and mental constitution, and trained from his earliest 
years, by his learned and accomplished father, to habits of 
severe application, he grew up to manhood a constant and 
laborious student — completing his course of education in 
the University of Glasgow. Blessed with an exceedingly 
intellectual and pious parentage, and reared in one of the 
strictest schools of Presbyterianism, he early formed and 
cultivated habits of piety, and a taste for theological stud- 
ies, which gave shape to his entire life. A profound rever- 
ence for the Word of God, was a marked feature of the 
character alike of the boy and of the man. 

*' Coming to this country in 1809, and settling in West- 
ern Pennsylvania — whither his father had preceded him — 

* This biography of Bro. Campbell was published in the first is- 
sue of the "Christian Standard,*' for which it was written, by the 
editor, Isaac Errett. 



46 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

he closely scanned the condition of religious society. Both 
father and son became deeply impressed with a conviction 
of the evils and inherent sinfulness of sectarianism. Their 
first movement, as reformers, was the repudiation of hu- 
man creeds as tests of fellowship, and a proposal to unite 
all the disciples of Jesus in one church, with the Bible as 
the only authoritative standard of faith and practice. Pur- 
suing the study of the Scriptures, as free as possible from 
party bias, they, and those in association with them, were 
soon convinced that infant membership in the church, and 
sprinkling, were unauthorized of God. They were accord- 
ingly immersed, on a confession of faith in the Son of God, 
and united with the regular Baptists — stipulating, however, 
that they should not be required to subscribe to any creed 
or articles of faith other than the Bible. The prejudice 
and passion of some excitable and intolerant men who 
then held a leading influence in the Redstone Association, 
rendered it prudent for Mr. Campbell to withdraw, after 
a few years, from that connection. Against his own wishes, 
he was compelled by the force of ecclesiastical opposition, 
to act separately from the Baptists, seeking fellowship only 
with those who were willing to be governed by the Bible 
alone. Thus cut loose from his former connections, and 
with a fierce opposition stirred up against him, he gave 
himself supremely to the advocacy and defense of his plea 
for a return to primitive Christianity. For half a century 
he gave his strength to this work, making tributary to it 
all his treasures of learning and eloquence. For forty 
years — from 1823 to 1863 — he never failed to publish, 
monthly, a religious magazine, laden with varied informa- 
tion, rich thought, keen argument, and pious sentiment. 
This was published, the first seven years, under the name 
of The Christian Baptist. In 1830, it appeared in en- 
larged form, under the title of The Millen?iial Harbinger, 
These publications, although enriched with contributions 
from many gifted pens, were principally occupied with ed- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 47 

itorial essays ; and on this mainly depended their popular- 
ity and power. The earlier years of his editorial career 
were distinguished by lively and earnest controversy — the 
arguments and criticisms of his opponents being given in 
full on his pages, and the replies exhibiting a completeness 
of information on the topics discussed, ripeness of judg- 
ment, strength of argument, keenness of retort, and with- 
ering exposures of sophistry, that render them admirable 
models of polemical theology. Seldom is such playful- 
ness of wit and keenness of satire joined with such gentle- 
manly dignity and logical power. We have always re- 
garded the correspondence with Bishop Semple as one of 
the finest specimens of the epistolary style of discussion, 
anywhere to be found. 

** Afterwards, when the heat of controversy had some- 
what abated, there is . traceable, in his journalism, a gen- 
tleness and mellowness which, while admitting of no com- 
promise with error, dealt more forbearingly with opposi- 
tion, and delighted more in the sweetness of piety, and in 
the practical aspects of Bible doctrine. Seldom, however, 
even in the hottest of the strife, were sentences written 
unworthy of the dignity and benevolence of the religion 
of Jesus. We doubt, in going over these forty volumes, 
and noting the wide range of subjects — doctrinal, critical, 
ethical, historical, and literary — whether the same amount 
and variety of writing can be found in any controversial 
author with less which, when dying, he would wish to 
erase. 

''In addition to these forty volumes, Mr. Campbell 
published several other works : A Translation of the New 
Testament, by G. Campbell, Doddridge and Macknight, 
with Prefaces, Emendations and Critical Notes of his own ; 
the Christian System; Infidelity refuted by Infidels; Bap- 
tism, its Antecedents and Consequents; a volume of Lit- 
erary Addresses; a life of his father, Thomas Campbell, 
etc. He also held several public discussions, which were 



48 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

reported and published: A debate on baptism in 1820, 
with Rev. John Walker; one on the same subject in 1823, 
with Rev. W. L. McCalla ; one on the Evidences of Chris- 
tianity in 1829, with Robert Owen ; one on Roman Ca- 
tholicism in 1837, with Bishop (now Archbishop) Purcell , 
and one on the points in dispute between Presbyterians 
and Reformers, in 1843, '^it^ Rev. N. L. Rice. This 
last discussion occupied eighteen days. He had also a 
written discussion with Dr. Skinner, on Universalism. In 
all these he maintained a high reputation for learning, 
dignity, and logical and critical acumen. 

*' He was not less laborious as a speaker than as a 
writer. During all these years, he traveled extensively, 
traversing most of the States of the Union, and visiting 
Great Britain and Ireland; discoursing every-where to 
crowded audiences, on the great themes that occupied his 
heart, and coming into contact with many of the best 
minds of the age, from whom, whatever their difference 
of sentiment, he constantly challenged respect and admi- 
ration. His discourses were extemporaneous, often ex- 
ceeding two hours in length, but were so clear in state- 
ment, cogent in argument, rich in diction, and forcible 
in illustration, as to hold his auditors in rapt attention to 
the close. His was not the highest style of oratory. In- 
deed he rather despised oratory as an art, relying on the 
inherent attractiveness of the truths he uttered. We have 
known him, in his prime, stand for two hours, leaning on 
a cane, and talk in true conversational style, with scarce 
a gesture in the entire discourse. But to a fine personal 
appearance and dignity of manner, he added a clearness 
of statement, a force of reasoning, a purity and sometimes 
a pomp of diction, a wealth of learning, a splendor of 
imagination, and an earnestness often rising into impas- 
sioned utterance, which clothed his pulpit efforts with a 
high degree of oratorical excellence. His habit of extem- 
poraneous speaking never caused him to degenerate into 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 49 

slovenliness of style, but sometimes led to undue diffusive- 
ness and discursiveness. 

*' In conversation, he expended, perhaps more time and 
strength than in pulpit discourse. Possessed of a strong 
social nature, and gifted with rare conversational powers, 
his delighted visitors hung for hours on the wisdom and 
eloquence of his lips. We do not compare him with John- 
son or Coleridge, who, as conversationists won so great 
a fame. Mr. Campbell conversed on different themes, 
and to a widely different circle of hearers. But we doubt 
if any of his age excelled him in capacity to charm and 
instruct in the social circle. Perhaps more prejudice was 
dissipated, and more adherents were gained, in these 
daily conversations, than in his best pulpit efforts. 

''It is not designed to enter here on a consideration 
of the peculiar features of Mr. Campbell's teaching. 
Briefly, they may be sketched thus : 

''Christ, the only Master: involving a rejection of all 
human names and leaderships in religion. The Bible, the 
only authoritative book : necessitating a denial of the au- 
thority of all human creeds. The Church of Christ, as 
founded by him, and built by the apostles, for a habita- 
tion of the Spirit, the only divine institution for spiritual 
ends : logically leading to the repudiation of all sects in 
religion as unscriptural and dishonoring to the head of the 
church. Faith in Jesus, as the Christ, the Son of God, 
and repentance toward God, the only scriptural prerequi- 
sites to baptism and consequent church-membership : thus 
dismissing all doctrinal speculation and all theological 
dogmata, whether true or false, as unworthy to be urged 
as tests of fitness for membership in the church of Christ. 
Obedience to the divine commandments, and not correct- 
ness of opinion, the test of Christian standing. The 
gospel the essential channel of spiritual influence in con- 
version ; thus ignoring all reliance on abstract and imme- 
diate influence of the Holy Spirit, and calling the attention 
5 



50 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

of inquirers away from dreams, visions, and impressions, 
which are so liable to deceive, to the living and powerful 
truths of the gospel, which are reliable, immutable, and 
eternal. The truth of the gospel, to enlighten ; the love 
of God in the gospel, to persuade; the ordinances of the 
gospel, as tests of submission to the divine will : \)ci^ prom- 
ises of ths gospel, as the evidence of pardon and accept- . 
ance ; and the Holy Spirit, in and through all these, ac- 
complishing his work of enlightening, convincing of sin, 
guiding the penitent soul to pardon, and bearing witness 
to the obedient believer, of his adoption into the family 
of God. 

**He was intensely Protestant, steadily cherishing 
through his life the cardinal principles of what is called 
evangelical faith and piety — the divinity of Christ, his sac- 
rificial death, as a sin-offering, and the indwelling of the 
Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. A Trinitarian in 
sentiment, he repudiated the unscriptural technicalities of 
Trinitarian theology, as involving a mischievous strife of 
words. A devout believer in the atoning sacrifice of the 
Lamb of God, he would not teach, as gospel, any theory of 
atonement. A stout advocate of spiritual influence and 
special providence, he was the enemy of all theories of 
abstract spiritual power, as tending to ignore the word of 
God, and leading to a deceptive trust in psychological pe- 
culiarities as the voice of the Spirit of God. Sternly op- 
posed to baptismal regeneration, he still insisted on the 
baptism of the believing penitent '^for the remission of 
sins.'* Educated in Calvinism, and always inclining to 
that school, he was so fearful of the tendency of all specu- 
lative theology, that it is difficult to trace his own proclivi- 
ties on these questions anywhere in his voluminous writ- 
ings. Deeply sympathizing with evangelical Protestantism, 
in its grand ideas and principles, he nevertheless looked 
on its present divided and distracted state as evidence 
that Protestants are only partially rescued from the great 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 5I 

apostasy; regarded the enforcement of speculative doc- 
trines and creed authority as the tap-root of sectarianism ; 
and insisted, through half a century, on the abandonment 
of party names, leaders, and symbols, to prepare the way 
for the union of all believers in one body; arguing that 
thus only have we a right to expect the conversion of the 
world. He suffered much unjust reproach for a plea 
which, just as he was passing away, he saw rising into ex- 
ceeding interest among all evangelical parties. 

'^ As an educator, he is entitled to the honor of success- 
fully instituting a college course, with the Bible as a text- 
book, and as the basis of the entire curriculum of study. 
He gave the ripest years of his life to the erection and en- 
dowment of Bethany College, from which hundreds of 
young men have gone forth, bearing the impress of his 
spirit, and the molding influence of his noble Christian 
life. 

'* In estimating the character of this illustrious man, it 
ought not to be forgotten that he possessed eminently 
practical talents. He was no recluse, shut out from sym- 
pathy with the activities of life. He was diligent in busi- 
ness as well as fervent in spirit, seeking to serve the Lord 
in the former as religiously as in the latter. He had 
splendid business capacity, and employed it to great ad- 
vantage ; so that, while traveling and preaching at his own 
expense, entertaining generously the throngs that gathered 
at Bethany, and meeting the constant demands on his 
purse which every public man of generous nature is plied 
with, he was still enabled to accumulate considerable 
wealth. He once cold us of his standing at an early day 
on the site of the present city of Cleveland, when engaged 
with his father-in-law in locating lands. His quick per- 
ceptions took in at a glance the advantages of this site, 
and he urged the propriety of purchasing in a locality 
which it was evident would one day be a great commercial 



52 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

center. His father-in-law did not readily accept the 
prophecy, and their lands were selected in Holmes County. 

** Once only did he venture on the stormy sea of poli- 
tics. In 1829, at the earnest solicitation of the people of 
West Virginia, and with a special pledge from his friends 
that he should not be required to take the stump, he con- 
sented to be a candidate for a seat in the Virginia Consti- 
tutional Convention. He was elected. He bore a prom- 
inent part in the proceedings of that convention, acting 
on the Judiciary Committee with Chief Justice Marshall, 
on intimate terms with ex-President Madison, and coming 
into conflict with John Randolph and other leading minds 
of Eastern Virginia, in his advocacy of the interests of the 
western portion of the State. In all this, he never for a 
moment forfeited the dignity of his character as a Chris- 
tian minister. 

'^ His reputation was without spot. His bitterest ene- 
mies failed to find a flaw in his character for truth, integ- 
rity, and goodness. But to those who knew him well, he 
was most cheerful, gentle, genial, just, and devout ; and 
as dearly beloved for his goodness as he was venerated for 
his greatness. It will ever be remembered to his honor, 
that with an almost unbounded personal influence over a 
religious community numbering hundreds of thousands, he 
never sought the least ecclesiastical control. Although 
the telegram from Wheeling announcing his death spoke 
of him as '* Bishop Campbell," it will surprise many to 
learn that he was merely one of the bishops of the congre- 
gation meeting in Bethany, and that outside of this, he 
never sought and never exercised, the least ecclesiastical 
authority. 

^'For many years he was possessed of the conviction 
that the year 1866 would exhaust many prophetic dates, 
and witness great changes in ecclesiastical and spiritual 
affairs. It is not unpleasant to think that this has become 
to him the year of years, and to his ransomed spirit will 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 53 

unseal many of the mysteries of apocalyptic visions which, 
here, even his piercing intellect failed to penetrate. 

*'He passed away on the Lord's day — the day in which 
he so much delighted, to the peace and bliss of an eternal 
Sabbath. In his later years, the personal dignity and of- 
ficial relations of the Son of God, was his constant theme 
of discourse. Who can imagine the reverence and rap- 
ture that shall fill his spirit when beholding the glory of 
Immanuel, whom, unseen, he loved so well, and at whose 
feet he laid, adoringly, the gifts of his nature, and the 
toils of his life ! 

*^He fell asleep in Jesus, on the 4th of March, 1866, 
near midnight, at his home in Bethany, West Virginia. 

'* It was an event not unexpected. Coming ^ in a good 
old age,' when his work was done, and his tired faculties 
craved rest from the incessant anxiety and toil of half a 
century ; coming slowly, attended with but little suffering, 
allowing his last years to be spent pleasantly in the scenes 
he loved best, and his last hours to be cheered and soothed 
by the fondest ministrations of conjugal and filial affec- 
tion, death appeared in a milder form, and granted a 
gentler descent to the tomb, than is often permitted." 



54 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER II, 

The Association in New Lisbon, 1827 — An evangelist appointed — 
Biography of Walter Scott — Scott among the churches. 

AS at the coming of day, the light springs forth in 
no one locality, but brightens alike over the whole 
land ; so, in many places, with no traceable connec- 
tion, the same investigations were going on, and the 
same conclusions were reached from the careful study 
of the New Testament. The style of speech indica- 
ted the change of thought. Sect language gradually 
gave place to Scripture terms and phrases, as more 
appropriate and correct, and authorized by the sanc- 
tion of the Holy Spirit. Instead of " relating a Chris- 
tian experience," converts now began to ** confess 
their faith in Christ.'* Church records assumed the 
scriptural designation of ** disciples." The spirit 
of research was fully set free. It peered into every 
thing, to sift out what was erroneous, and to make all 
things according to the pattern shown by the apostles 
in the New Testament. Even from the hymns and 
the prayers were eliminated objectionable terms and 
forms of speech, carrying in them thoughts and peti- 
tions unsanctioned by the Word of God. The dia- 
lect of the Holy Spirit in the language of apostles 
and prophets, it was urged, must be substituted for 
the corrupt language of the great apostasy which still 
pollutes the tongue of Christendom. The reformation 
must be radical. From the language of the Jews, the 
language of Ashdod must be expurgated. Thus, 
many terms that were trite and dear from their fa- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 55 

miliar association in religious life were objected to as 
improper, and rejected as misleading. 

Call for an Evangelist. 

As the Calvinistic theory of conversion began to 
yield, and it was seen that sinners have something to 
do in hearing the gospel, that they may believe and 
be saved, and, also, that the church has in her hands 
the work of preaching it, the feeling began to take 
definite form that the time had come to take this re- 
sponsibility which was devolved upon her by the Lord 
Jesus, to convert the world through the proclamation 
of the glad tidings. It was apparent, no less in the 
wants of the people than in the light of the Sacred 
Scriptures, that a suitable person should be selected 
to travel among the churches, to preach the gospel, 
and to set things in order according to the teachings 
of the primitive church. So evident had it become 
that this long neglected duty must be resumed, that a 
petition to this end was sent to the Mahoning Asso- 
ciation from the church in Braceville. It was under- 
stood that the church in Nelson was consulted, and 
that it concurred in the movement. Mr. Campbell 
came to this association with the same purpose in his 
heart. Passing through Steubenville, he called on 
Walter Scott, principal of the academy in that place, 
and persuaded him to come to New Lisbon, with the 
intention of securing his appointment as the evan- 
gelist of the association. 

On this occasion, memorable in history, the asso- 
ciation met by regular appointment in New Lisbon, 
Columbiana County, August 23, 1827. Jacob Osborne 
was moderator, and John Rudolph, Jr., clerk. 



56 



EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



The churches and delegates composing the associ- 
ation, were as follows : 



CHURCHES. 


NAMES OF MESSENGERS. 




> 

•^ a- 




1 
I 


0- 



J? 

1 


H 
o 


Warren -J 


Adamson Bentlev... 










Jacob Smith 


3 


I 


4 


4 


2 


72 


Jacob Drake......... 


Joab Gaskill 














New Lisbon.--/ 


John Campbell 






2 


I 




41 




Henry Beck 








Darwin Atwater 














Mantua and J 


Zeb. Rudolph 


9 










?6 


Hiram 1 


John Rudolph Jr .. 














Stephen Wood 














Palmyra } 


Noah Davis... , 






I 


3 




49 


W^illiam Bacon 








Jesse Hall 














TTulil^ard •< 


Walter Clark 

Archibald Price .. 


I 










37 






...... 






Braceville < 


Jacob Osborne 














Henry Harsh 




3 




2 


I 


36 


William McGavern. 
Thomas Ray 




Yellow Creek • 


5 




I 


2 




30 




Simon Kelley 


Val. of Achor < 

Canfield | 

Wellsburg Va < 


Arthur W^herry 














John Jackman 

David Havs 


I 




2 






70 






Myron Sacket 

Alexander Campbell 
John Brown 


I 




I 






?8 








II 


5 


3 


I 


I 


56 


Arthur G. Hayden.. 


Salem . < 


Aaron Hise 


3 


4 








34 




David Gaskill 








Hartford 


No intelligence. 
Samuel Hayden 














Youngstown.. < 

Southington 

Randolph. ^... < 
Sandy 




Joseph Pearce 














No intelligence. 
Abiiah Sturdevant.. 














William Churchill... 
No intelligence. 

Total number. 












13 








34 


13 


14 


13 


4 


492 



Besides these accredited messengers, the following 
preachers were present, who, by a resolution of the 



IN 'j:jJ;e western reserve. 57 

association, were invited to a seat in its counsels : 
Walter Scott, Samuel Holmes, William West, and 
Sidney Rigdon. 

There were present, also, J. Merrill, John Secrest, 
and Joseph Gaston, advocates of the gospel among 
the " Christian " fraternity. These brethren were, by 
resolution, made equally welcome to the sittings of the 
association. 

The following petition from the church in Brace- 
ville, Trumbull County, sent by the hand of Bro. 
Osborne, was received and entertained : 

^* We wish that this association may take into serious con- 
sideration the peculiar situation of the churches of the as- 
sociation, and if it would be a possible thing for an evan- 
gelical preacher to be employed to travel and teach among 
the churches, we think that a blessing would follow.*' 

The action of this convention of churches in rela- 
tion to this subject, is reported as follows : 

^^ Voted, That all the teachers of Christianity present, be 
a committee to nominate a person to travel and labor among 
the churches, and to suggest a plan for the support of the 
person so appointed.'' 

The preachers present composing this committee, 
were the following : Adamson Bentley, Joab Gaskill, 
Jacob Osborne, A. Campbell, Abijah Sturdevant, Wal- 
ter Scott, Samuel Holmes, William West, Sidney 
Rigdon, J. Merrill, John Secrest, Joseph Gaston — 
twelve ; besides, Darwin Atwater, Zeb. Rudolph, and 
John Jackman, who soon after became prominent as 
teachers of the gospel. Let us now hear their unan- 
imous report : 

*^ The committee, to which was referred the nomination 



58 ^ EARLY HISTORY OF THE HLSCIPLKS 

of a person to labor among the churches, and to recom- 
mend a plan for his support, reported as follows : 

'' I. That Bro. Walter Scott is a suitable person for the 
task, and that he is willing, provided the association con- 
cur in his appointment, to devote his whole energies to 
the work. 

*^ 2. That voluntary and liberal contributions be recom- 
mended to the churches for creating a fund for his support. 

'^3. That at the discretion of Bro. Scott, as far as re- 
spects time and place, four quarterly meetings for public 
worship, be held in the bounds of the association this 
year; and at these meetings such contributions as have 
been made, in the churches in those vicinities, be handed 
over to Bro. Scott, and an account be kept of the same to 
be produced at the next association ; also, that at any time 
and in any church, when and where Bro. Scott may be la- 
boring, any contributions made to him shall be accounted 
for to the next association. 

^' Voted, That the above report, in all its items, be 
adopted.*' 

These men were devoutly in earnest in their pur- 
pose. An extract from the records is instructive on 
this point: 

'^ Met Lord's day at sunrise, in the Baptist meeting- 
house, for prayer and praise, and continued till eight 
o'clock.'' 

They were not sleepy drones. The morning sun, 
at his rising, found them assembled in prayer. Three 
hours and more they lifted to the Mercy-seat their 
suppliant appeals, while praises went to the third 
heaven from souls all dewy with the morning grace, 
which came plentifully upon them. Great and glori- 
ous epochs in the kingdom are the birth of great 
prayer. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 59 

^' Met again in the Presbyterian meeting-house, Lisbon, 
where, after public worship, Bro. Jacob Osborne delivered 
a discourse, Heb. ist chapter. He was followed by Bro. 
A. Campbell, who delivered a discourse on Good Works, 
predicated upon the last paragraph of the Sermon on. the 
Mount, and the conclusion of Matt. 25 th chapter. 

''After a recess of a few minutes, and the immersion of 
some disciples in the creek, the brethren met at the Bap- 
tist meeting house and broke bread, after which they dis- 
persed, much comforted and edified by the exercises of 
the day.'' 

This association deserves much more than a pass- 
ing notice. It was the first ecclesiastical body in 
modern times, which, transcending the limits of its 
own constitutional prerogatives, initiated a movement 
exactly conformed to the word of God, and utterly dis- 
entangled from all sectarian restraints. Let us pause 
to consider its action : 

1. The association threw open its doors, and 
brought in, as a composite element, disciples of Christ, 
ministers of another ecclesiastical connection, making 
these ministers fully equal in its action ; thus setting 
aside its denominational character, and standing on 
the broad, firm charter of the Christian religion 
alone. These men were of the " Christian connec- 
tion/' and the most that was known of either party re- 
specting the other was that each respectively was zeal- 
ously, and conscientiously engaged in preaching the 
gospel as he best understood it. Here was a practical 
exhibition of the union of Christians for a common 
purpose. 

2. Here was the appointment of an evangelist in 
the pure New Testament idea of that official minister. 



6o EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

by the concurrent action of the ministry of a given 
district of country. In this it took upon itself the 
new duty of establishing and regtdati^ig an evangeli- 
cal agency, or mifiistry. 

3. This association, like all others, had restricted its 
action to sundry ecclesiastical matters, making no pro- 
vision for evangelical operations. Its duty was mainly 
the care of churches, responding to questions, and 
hearing cases of appeal ; affairs which churches can 
manage more successfully at home. This association 
assumed a new power, and with this higher preroga- 
tive, entered upon the discharge of a far higher and 
wider responsibility. And what was it } Simply to re- 
vive the work laid by divine authority upon its hand at 
the beginning, to *' preach the gospel to every creature." 
This pure, simple, most significant act was here for 
the first time performed by a body of churches assem- 
bled in delegate capacity. The selection of an evan- 
gelist to travel among the congregations of a given 
district, clothing him with power to set things in order, 
to preach the gospel, and by every means to promote 
the work of Christ, deserves the clearest and most em- 
phatic statement as a direct, practical measure in re- 
storing the apostolic order to the world. 

4. No one church assumed the grave responsibil- 
ity of selecting, authorizing, and sending forth an 
evangelist. The suggestion for such an appointment, 
while coming from one of the churches, at the instance 
of a wise preacher among them, was, by the associa- 
tion, wisely and properly referred to the ministers of 
the gospel for full consideration and final action. 
And their action in the premises, duly taken and de- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 6l 

clared, received the cordial indorsement and acquies- 
cence of all the churches represented. 

5. But, further, the association bound its evangelist 
by no doctrinal restrictions or limitations. No creed 
basis, no confession of doctrines, no articles of belief: 
he was simply to ** preach the word." 

This was a bold and untried step. It was a long step 
toward Mount Zion. But it was a safe step, as the 
Scriptures can lead no one astray ; and, also, it was 
the only method of bringing about the restoration of 
original Christianity in fact, in faith, and in form, in 
letter, in spirit, and in practice. 

Biography of Walter Scott. 

Walter Scott was born in Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scot- 
land, October 31, 1796. His father, John Scott, a gen- 
tleman of fine culture, was a professor of music. His 
mother, Mary Innes Scott, was a person of most pure life, 
and eminently religious. They had ten children, five 
sons and five daughters ; Walter was the sixth child. 

A remarkable providence is related as occurring in 
connection with the death of his parents. His father went 
to the town of Annan on business of his profession, and 
died there suddenly. Mrs. Scott was so deeply affected 
by the intelligence of his demise, that she died immedi- 
ately, and was buried with him in the same grave. 

He had a maternal uncle in the custom-house, in the 
city of New York, who held his situation for thirty years 
under all the changes of administration. The death of 
this man was also remarkable. He died on his knees while 
in prayer. 

The Scott family were all strict members of the Kirk of 
Scotland. Walter Scott early displayed the fine qualities 
of character for which he afterwards became conspicuous. 



62 EARLY HISTOKY OF THE DISCIPLES 

He was intellectual, sensitive, tender-hearted, and pious. 
He was educated in the University of Edinburgh. 

A characteristic incident is related concerning him 
which occurred while he was pursuing his collegiate studies. 
When about sixteen he walked out one evening into the 
city, and not returning as soon as his parents expected, at 
a late hour they sent his older brother James in search of 
him. James explored the city diligently, but failed to find 
him till long after midnight. He found him in the midst 
of a crowd singing the popular Scottish airs, collecting mon- 
ey in this way for a poor blind beggar. When accosted 
by his brother, he seemed not aware of the lateness of the 
hour, so completely was his young and benevolent heart in- 
terested in procuring relief for the needy man. 

On invitation of his uncle>in New York, George Innes, 
Esq., he crossed the ocean. He resided awhile in his un- 
cle's family, and also, for a time, taught a classical school 
on Long Island. With the spirit of adventure, common to 
the young, he came to Pittsburgh, crossing the mountains 
afoot in company with a young companion. He soon made 
the acquaintance of a fellow-countryman, Mr. George For- 
rester, in whose family he found a welcome and for consid- 
erable time a home. Mr. Forrester was a preacher of the 
Haldanean school, who had prepared for the ministry in 
the institution established in Scotland by the celebrated 
Robert and James Alexander Haldane, for educating young 
men for the preaching of the gospel. He was conducting 
a school, and also preaching to a small membership whom 
he had collected together. The friendly hearts of these men, 
as well as the tie of nationality, created a warm attachment 
between them. Mr. Scott was here invited to the examina- 
tion of the claims of pedobaptism, in which he had been 
trained up. He had too much reverence for the authority 
of God's Word to resist its teaching ; so after a full search 
for scriptural authority for this practice of his church, and 
finding none, he abandoned it as a defenseless relic of the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 63 

Papacy ; and, accordingly, was immersed by his friend 
Mr. Forrester. 

The new views which presented themselves to him by 
this new search of the Holy Scriptures, and the fresh in- 
terest awakened by them in a mind naturally inquisitive 
and greatly devoted to religious pursuits, give him a pow- 
erful impulse to farther scriptural investigations. He rap- 
idly outstripped his teachers. He was not long in acquir- 
ing a wonderful store of knowledge of the Christian relig- 
ion. He opened a classical and English high school ; but 
the duties of that profession, a profession in which he was 
eminently successful, did not interfere with his assiduous 
prosecution of the systematic study of the Bible. 

About this time, at one of Mr. Campbell's visits to 
the city of Pittsburgh, he and Mr. Scott became personally 
acquainted. By reputation they were not strangers. These 
men discovered in each other so many admirable and bril- 
liant qualities of character, intellectual and social, that a 
lasting friendship was formed between them. This coales- 
cence of feeling, however, was quite as much the result of 
the coincidence of their conclusions on great scriptural 
themes ; their agreement in the power of the gospel to re- 
cover Christendom from its numberless sects and divisions ; 
and to restore the unity of the ^' faith once delivered to the 
saints.** From that day they were mutual co-operants in 
the common cause of re-proclaiming to the world the gos- 
pel as it began in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the 
Lord's ascension. 

Mr. Campbell, at the time of his introduction to Scott, 
was about issuing a monthly^ designed to develop the truth 
of the gospel, and to plead for the union of Christians on 
Bible grounds. Mr. Scott fell in with the proposition, and 
espoused the scheme. Mr. Campbell proposed the name 
'^The Christian,'' as a suitable title for his new periodi- 
cal. Mr. Scott thought ''The Christian Baptist ' ' would be 
a title more likely to win an immediate hearing. This 



64 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

was agreed upon. And in the very beginning of that mas- 
terly work, the grand triumvirate, Thomas Campbell, 
Alexander Campbell, and Walter Scott appeared side by 
side as contributors to its pages. The appearance of that 
periodical, August, 1823, forms a marked epoch in the pub- 
lic announcement of the principles of a much-needed re- 
formation. Mr. Scott remained yet a few years in Pitts- 
burgh, where he became acquainted, and for a time asso- 
ciated, with Sidney Rigdon, then pastor of a small Bap- 
tist church in the city. The two communions, that under 
Rigdon and the company to whom Scott preached, united 
together and became one body. 

Early in 1827 we find him in Steuben ville, established 
in the academy, as already related. He had issued a pros- 
pectus, and was on the eve of commencing the publication 
of the '^ Millennial Herald,*' to be devoted to the statement 
and defense of the gospel, and to the publication of views of 
the millennium, in which he had become much interested. 

^'The heart of man deviseth his way; but the Lord 
directeth his steps.'' A foreseeing providence was prepar- 
ing a far different theater for the display of his remarkable 
talents, and was at the same time preparing him for that 
field. This was the work of an evangelist opened for him 
in New Lisbon; which, after some persuasion, he accepted 
with all his heart. His great powers were now plumed 
for great purposes. Here was scope and comprehension 
for his gifts of oratory, of argumentation, and persuasion. 
All his talents for analysis and classification were here to 
find amplest scope and fullest display. Many and glori- 
ous events were born the day that the arrangement was 
completed to send Scott forth to preach the gospel ; the 
gospel long thought to be a mystery, but soon to come as 
a revelation to the people. 

The history of this extraordinary man is in the pages 
that follow ; rather, in the mighty revolution in religious 
society in America, which, like a majestic stream, is widen- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 65 

ing and deepening in its flow ; a revolution to which he has 
contributed very much by his discoveries in Bible truth, and 
by his powers of eloquence and argument in presenting 
and defending it before the people. 

His style was chaste and classical. He was a man of 
great faith, and of a most lovable and gentle spirit. In 
discourse he was often bold as a lion ; yet he as often 
played among lambs. He came before the world with a 
mission on his soul ; the restoration of the gospel plea^ 
the ^^ advocacy," as he termed it. He affirmed that the 
gospel contains an advocacy for converting sinners to Christ. 
This appeal, with its appointed conditions of pardon, con- 
stituted Scott's special mission to the men of this genera- 
tion. Long and faithfully did he conduct the high argu- 
ment j and many thousands of his beloved Master's chil- 
dren will rise up and bless his memory. 

He fell asleep, full of faith and hope, at his residence 
in Mayslick, Ky., Tuesday evening, April 23, i56i, in the 
sixty-fifth year of his age. 

Scott among the Churches. 

After his appointment Scott lost no time in prep- 
aration for his new duty. Giving up both his paper 
and his academy, and leaving his family in Steuben- 
ville, he was almost immediately on the territory he 
was to traverse. Great hopes were entertained of the 
results of his labors. Yet no man, himself not ex- 
cepted, had any adequate conception of the great and 
unparalleled blessings which were in store for the 
people within that year. 

The first of the quarterly meetings recommended 
in the report of the committee at New Lisbon, was 
held in Braceville, then the residence of Jacob Os- 
borne, the brother who moved the association to ap- 
6 



66 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

point an *' evangelical preacher." Bro. Marcus Bos- 
worth also resided in Braceville, a young preacher 
of warm heart and of sweet and winning speech. It 
was Lord's day, September i6, 1827. It was largely 
attended, and was prolific in important results. The 
principal preachers were Scott, Bentley, and Osborne. 
Darwin Atwater, whose clear, personal recollections 
avouch this record, was also present, with others 
from abroad. The principles of reform were making 
constant and sure progress in many places, though 
they were yet encumbered and delayed by the cau- 
tious prudence of some, and by the opposition of 
others. The leading steps of its march are suscepti- 
ble of historic record. The first distinctive position 
assumed was the plea for the union of Christians on 
apostolic ground. This, as a consequence, directed 
an enfilading fire against the works in which the 
creed power was intrenched. Creeds, confessions 
of faith as terms of membership and communion, 
articles of church government separate from the New 
Testament, and distinctive of the sect, with all that 
pertained to them, were gradually losing ground ; 
while at the same time, as a correlative part of the 
plea, the fullness, sufficiency, plainness, and author- 
ity of the word of God for all the purposes of faith 
and practice, were urged with a great variety of ar- 
gument, illustration, and Scripture testimony. 

Closely allied to this came, secondly, the whole 
subject of conversion, regeneration, and evidence of 
pardon. The theory of metaphysical regeneration, 
brought into the church by St. Augustine, in the 
fourth century, formed into system by the equally 
illustrious Calvin, of the sixteenth century, and lin- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 6^ 

gering in most of the modern standards of ortho- 
doxy, was put to the most rigid test of the word of 
God. This involved the whole subject of spiritual 
influence and illumination. And while the reform- 
ers maintained, on Scripture grounds, a firm belief 
in the converting power of the Holy Spirit, and his 
actual presence in the hearts of Christians, they as- 
serted that the work of conversion was wrought 
through the knowledge and belief of the gospel. As 
the Holy Scriptures were the only guide, practices 
untaught therein were repudiated as of human ori- 
gin, and dangerous to the peace and purity of the 
church. On this ground, infant church-membership 
was delivered back to the papacy, whence it origi- 
nated, with " confirmation,'* its consequent and com- 
plement, sponsorship, and whatever depended upon 
this postscript to the apostolic gospel. Conversion 
without faith is impossible ; but faith comes of testi- 
mony — divine testimony, the word of God. Rom. x: 
17. But this must be preached; and so it is the 
preaching of the gospel which produces faith in Jesus 
Christ. 

A link was yet wanting to complete the theory of 
salvation. That the sufferings of Christ are the 
procuring cause of pardon, was clearly asserted. 
Faith, involving a personal trust in Jesus Christ, was 
becoming equally clear and well established in the 
widening plea. But what is the evidence of pardon t 
the '' witness," the assurance of the penitent sinner's 
acceptance "i " Experience ! " Yes ; but experiences 
are both variable, as different persons " experience 
a hope" at different places and by different processes, 
and fallible as these experiences are formed according 



68 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

to the models of teaching under which the convert 
has been trained. Cases are numerous and painful 
in which after years of agonizing self-abasement, the 
load of conscious sins still lies on the heart. A 
large number of professing Christians are subject to 
conflicting doubt, and harassed with distressing un- 
certainty of their acceptance ; very many ** seek '* on 
in silent, despairing darkness ; not a few throw them- 
selves into the vortex of infidelity, while some lose 
their reason in the fruitless search for the evidence 
that God has spoken peace to their souls. 

Has the gospel, perfect in all its provisions, com- 
plete in all its appointments for salvation, left this 
one point without a testimony — without a provided 
assurance } Does God in his gospel show sinners 
their danger, arouse them by faith to flee from " the 
wrath to come," lead them to repentance by the suf- 
ferings of his Son, and when they come crying for 
mercy, is this same gospel unfurnished with a pro- 
vision special to this very need, which shall uni- 
formly and unfailingly meet them with the needed 
assurance of pardon ? 

The divine testimony had not been explored in 
vain touching this point. In essays, in debate, in 
conversations, the unequivocal declaration of the new 
Institution had been brought out to view, that bap- 
tism in the name of Jesus Christ was ordained by 
him, for bringing the actual believer in him, penitent 
for his sins, into this new relation, and for giving him 
the knowledge of pardon by the promises of the new 
covenant. This had been ably set forth from the 
commission, from Acts ii: 38, and many other New 
Testament authorities. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 69 

Yet who in those days, having discovered this es- 
tablished scriptural connection, had ventured to apply 
this truth to the relief of mourning sinners? 

Theory before practice : yet practice is often tardy 
and tremulous. It is well ; let it be cautious, and 
walk only on solid rocks, like the priests who stood on 
rocks in the midst of Jordan, while Israel all passed 
by into the promised land. A new light was dawn- 
ing, and a farther glimpse into the light of the gos- 
pel was obtained at this meeting in Braceville. 

After the services of the day were over, Scott, 
Bentley, Osborne, and Atwater walked out together. 
Conversation turned on this subject. Bentley had 
preached on it. He urged that it was intended to 
bring penitent sinners to the immediate relief they 
sought, by bringing them into the new covenant, 
whose immediate and distinguishing blessing was 
the actual pardon of all past sins. Osborne, turning 
to Scott, asked him '* if he had ever thought that bap- 
tism in the name of the Lord was for the remission 
of sins?" Holding himself somewhat in reserve, he 
intimated a desire for Osborne to proceed. '' It is,'* 
said he, " certainly established for that purpose. It 
holds the same place under the gospel in relation to 
pardon, that the positive institution of the altar held 
to forgiveness under the law of Moses ; under that 
dispensation the sinner offered the prescribed victim 
on the altar and was acquitted, pardoned through the 
merits of the sacrifice of Christ, of which his offer- 
ing was a type. So under the gospel age, the sinner 
comes to the death of Christ, the meritorious ground 
of his salvation, through baptism, which is a symbol 
of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus 



70 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Christ" "Very well," replied Scott, whose thoughts 
were very deeply engaged revolving the whole sub- 
ject, ** it is evidently so." 

After a little, Mr. Osborne remarked to Elder 
Bentley, "you have christened baptism to-day." 
"How so.'^" "You termed it a remitting ordi- 
nance." * Bentley replied, " I do not see how we are 
to avoid the conclusion with the Bible in our hands." 

The second chapter of Acts of Apostles, it will be 
seen, was under constant and close scrutiny of inves- 
tigation. It contains evidence of the coronation in 
heaven of the King of kings, with his royal proclama- 
tion of mercy, and terms of pardon to his rebellious 
subjects. 

These three preachers were again together soon 
after the events narrated above, when Bro. Osborne 
again introduced the design of baptism in public dis- 
course, and remarked in the connection that the gift 
of the Holy Spirit is after conversion and baptism, 
and consequent upon them, citing the inspired words 
of the apostle Peter in Acts ii : 38, as proof: " Re- 
pent, and be baptized every one of you in the name 
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 

After the meeting, Scott said to Osborne, "You 
are the boldest man I ever saw ! Do n't you think 
so, Bro. Bentley ? " " How so > " said Bentley. "Why 
he said in his sermon that no one had a right to ex- 
pect the Holy Spirit till after baptism." Scott was 
a genius ; often eccentric, often profoundly medita- 
tive. It may not be necessary, as perhaps it would 

"^ Words were sometimes used in those days with less accuracy 
than in later times. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 7I 

be impossible to tell, whether Mr. Scott was leading 
them, or they him, in those views. It is certain, 
however, that he had now premises sufficient for a 
generalization, which was soon to produce the most 
brilliant and unexpected results. In the powers of 
analysis and combination, he has rarely been 
equaled. Under his classification, the great elements 
of the gospel bearing on the conversion of sinners, 
assumed the following definite, rational, and scriptu- 
ral order: (i) Faith; (2) Repentance; (3) Baptism; 
(4) Remission of sins ; (5) The Holy Spirit ; (6) 
Eternal life, through a patient continuance in well 
doing. 

This arrangement of these themes was so plain, so 
manifestly in harmony with soundest reason, and so 
clearly correct in a metaphysical point of view, as well 
as sustained by the Holy Scriptures, that Scott was 
transported with the discovery. The key of knowl- 
edge was now in his possession. The points which 
before were dark or mysterious, were now luminous. 
It cleared away the mist, and let in the day just 
where all had struggled for ages, and many had 
stranded. The whole Scripture sorted itself into a 
plain and intelligible system in illustration and proof 
of this elementary order of the gospel. The darkened 
cloud withdrew. A new era for the gospel had 
dawned. 

So reasoned Scott. Moreover this discovery was 
most opportune as a preparation for his mission to 
which the association had called him, of preaching 
the gospel within its bounds. 



72 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER III. 

The plea opened in New Lisbon — Co-operating agencies. 

EVENTS were rapidly culminating for the work of 
conversion to open under new and peculiar con- 
ditions of success. The preachers were astir holding 
meetings in many places ; not "protracted meetings/* 
for the day for such meetings had not yet come. Many 
incidents of rare interest are connected with the stir- 
ring reformatory movement of the years from 1826 
to 1832 ; but none, perhaps, more noteworthy than 
the opening of the great work in New Lisbon, in 
November, 1827. Bro. Scott felt that the evangeli- 
cal part of the great commission had fallen into decay, 
and his soul was burdened with a great weight of 
duty to revive the apostolic method of preaching the 
gospel. After the discovery of the system of the 
gospel items already mentioned, he went to a commu- 
nity where he endeavored to impress the people with 
its truth ; but he failed to enlist any souls for Christ. 
He felt the discouragement, and went on his knees to 
Jesus. He plead as did the lawgiver of Israel for his 
people. He was most earnest in prayer. He be- 
lieved God. He believed his word ; his promise of 
help. No man more sincerely, humbly, pleadingly, 
ever lay prostrate before God in supplications. His 
prayers in public, from a tender heart, melted all 
hearts around him. 

The effort must be repeated. It is the gospel — so 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 73 

his meditation ran — Christ's own gospel, blessed by 
him at first for conversion, and to be blessed by him 
for that purpose to the end of time. " Lo ! I am 
with you, world without end." Then he will be with 
his servants still. ** This is thy word ; I am thy serv- 
ant" So " cast down, but not destroyed," he cried ; 
and, again, with the prophet, " I believed, therefore 
have I spoken. I am greatly afflicted. I believe his 
word, and I will preach it again ! " 

It seemed a blessed providence which permitted the 
first trial to be a defeat. God had him under farther 
discipline for a higher work. If he threw him on his 
back in discomfiture, it was that he might fall on his 
face in conscious need of Christ's own help for Christ's 
own work ; that his gospel might be re-announced to 
the world in self-abasement, in weakness, and with the 
consciousness of the Lord's presence to aid in his 
work. He had been in ecstasy with the novelty and 
grandeur of the newly discovered truth, and with the 
- thought of bringing sinners once more, and at once, 
through faith and obedience into the joys of salva- 
tion ; with no less of joy in the gospel as it now 
flamed upon his heart, but perhaps tempered with fear 
and trembling, a state of feeling he often experienced, 
he resolved to go to New Lisbon. 

The old Baptist meeting-house, in which two 
months before he received the appointment of the as- 
sociation, was honored as the place for the opening 
of this grand appeal ; a plea which was to shake so- 
ciety throughout the land. Scott was in his highest 
key. He realized the peril of the experiment, should 
it, on the one hand, not meet with an encouraging re- 
sponse ; and on the other, the results to follow if he 
7 



74 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

should be sustained in this bold advance step ; but 
his faith was equal to the occasion. He had examined 
the firmness of the ground, on which, in his new work 
he was to take his stand. He opened the plea with 
circumspection. He fortified his positions with clear 
and unanswerable arguments from the Word of God. 
As he advanced he became more inspired, forcible, 
and convincing. His audience were entranced. He 
moved on in eloquent demonstration. He was hand- 
ling old themes, but he was bringing out a new and 
startling proposition — old as the apostles, but new in 
this age — that at any hour when a sinner yields and 
obeys the Lord Jesus, that same hour will the Lord 
receive him into favor and forgive his sins ; that par- 
don is offered in the gospel on the terms of faith and 
obedience, and whoever believes on him with all his 
heart and obeys him, shall be pardoned through his 
blood ; and that the promise of the gospel is his evi- 
dence and assurance of this salvation. A new era 
dawned when this was urged upon the people, as it^ 
was by the preacher on that occasion, for their imme- 
diate acceptance. 

When the preacher was drawing toward a conclu- 
sion of this scriptural exposition of the apostolic plan 
of salvation, he noticed a stranger enter the door. 
This man was a highly respectable citizen, and a 
worthy member of the Presbyterian Church. He was 
a diligent and pious student of the gospel ; and had 
long been convinced that the Savior's command to 
convert the world was not now obeyed as it was 
preached by the apostles. He spoke frequently to 
his wife on the subject, and was so engaged that he 
sometimes read and conversed to a late hour at night. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 75 

She said on one of these occasions, " William, you 
will never find any one that will agree with you on 
that subject." He replied, ** When I find any person 
preaching, as did the apostle Peter in the second 
chapter of Acts, I shall offer myself for obedience and 
go with him." This man was *' waiting for the con- 
solation of Israel." 

Having prepared the way by showing from the 
Scriptures that the Kingdom of Christ was to be 
opened on Pentecost, and from Matt, xvi : i8, that 
the apostle Peter had the keys to open the door of it, 
or to proclaim the terms of admission into it, Scott 
was bringing his subject to a conclusion. Mr. Amend, 
having entered from the Presbyterian prayer-meet- 
ing, heard enough to see his drift, and to appreciate 
him when he repeated the language of inspira- 
tion, " Repent, and be baptized every one of you in 
the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and 
you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 
ii • 38, 39. He was standing on his feet listening with 
fixed attention. The preacher, all alive to his sub- 
ject, called out for any of his audience who believed 
God and would take him at his word, to come forward 
and confess the Lord Jesus, and be baptized in his 
name for the remission of sins. 

"The time has come at last," said Amend; **God 
has accepted my condition ; he has sent a man to 
preach as the New Testament reads ; shall I fail to 
fulfill my pledge of obedience ? " All this passed 
through his mind with instantaneous rapidity. ** My 
pledge is on high ; my prayer is answered ; I will not 
confer with flesh and blood." With a promptness 
which astonished both the audience and the preach- 



76 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

er, he came to the seat assigned to converts. "Who 
is this man ? " whispered the astonished preacher, 
who had seen him enter and had scanned his move- 
ment. " The best man in the community ; an orderly 
member of the Presbyterian Church." 

It was enough. Success sanctioned the appeal. 
Mr. Scott looked upon it as a divine attestation of the 
correctness of his method ; the Scriptures being his 
warrant for the truth of the things proclaimed. Here 
is a case in proof that the Word of God can be un- 
derstood alike by all who study it with unbiased mind. 
This devout Presbyterian loved the truth as it is in 
Jesus. The doctrine of party is nothing to such men. 
The testimony of the apostles will have the same ef- 
fect on all candid men when the doctrines and com- 
mandments of men are laid aside. From that day, with 
this seal to his ministry, he was stronger than Ajax, 
To borrow one of his own expressions, " he rushed in 
upon the people like an armed man !" Within a few 
days seventeen souls " hearing, believed and were 
baptized." There was great joy in New Lisbon. 
The whole town was aroused ; some spoke against 
this way, others were amazed at the new things 
brought to their ears. The novelty and boldness of 
the movement broke up entirely the monotony of the 
customary process of ** waiting," "seeking," tarrying 
at the pool till an angel of grace should trouble the 
waters of salvation. 

The contrast between the process of conversion, as 
generally taught, which led the soul through " much 
tribulation" of darkness and uncertainty, to a faint 
and flickering hope — and this the apostolic method — 
was so direct and palpable, that the conflict was im- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. ^^ 

mediately initiated and strongly marked. The one 
led the sinner up through states of mind and frames 
of feeling, and upon the genuineness of these was 
based his hope of peace. The other brings him, with 
the same conscious conviction of his sins, to trust the 
mercy of Jesus, and to rely on Christ's promise of 
forgiveness, which he approaches and secures through 
the obedience of faith. 

It was singular, and indeed inexplicable to Mr. 
Scott, that the first person to respond to his call, and 
come forth to obey the gospel, should be a man who 
had not heard his sermon. If he had heard his premi- 
ses, and had been enlightened by his argument, the 
case would have presented no cause of marvel. He 
had heard only his conclusion. He came. It was a 
mystery. 

Mr. Scott was restless under it. Several years 
afterward he addressed to Mr. Amend a note of in- 
quiry in regard to it, and received in reply the follow- 
ing explanation : 

'^ I will answer your questions. I was baptized on the 
1 8th of Nov., 1827, and will relate to you a circumstance 
which occurred a few days before that date. I had read 
the second chapter of Acts, when I expressed myself to my 
wife as follows : Oh, this is the gospel ; this is the thing 
we wisli, the remission of our sins ! Oh, that I could hear 
the gospel in those same words as Peter preached it ! I 
hope I shall some day hear, and the first man I meet who 
will preach the gospel thus, with him will I go. So, my 
brother, on the day you saw me come into the meeting- 
house, my heart was open to receive the word of God, and 
when you cried, ^ The Scripture shall no longer be a sealed 
book, God means what he says. Is there any man pres- 
ent who will take God at his word and be baptized for 



/S EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the remission of sins,' — at that moment my feelings were 
such, that I could have cried out, ' Glory to God ! I have 
found the man whom I have long sought for.' So I en- 
tered the kingdom, when I readily laid hold of the hope 
set before me. William Amend." 

It is no easy task, now that the position then as- 
sumed by Mr. Scott has won the victory, and become 
a distinguishing practice of many hundred thousand 
Christians, to appreciate the nature or the magnitude 
of the difficulties which environed him. When we 
consider his natural timidity ; that he was not em- 
boldened by the presence, or encouraged by the ex- 
ample, of any one in modern times ; that the whole 
land, and, indeed, the whole world had been for ages 
silent as the grave respecting this peculiar and 
special plea, the surprise grows into wonder and 
amazement, and the event takes on the most evident 
tokens of the hand of God in it. 

It is true the " Christian Baptist," in the first vol- 
ume, had taught the scriptural connection between 
baptism and remission, in an essay by the elder 
Campbell ; also in A. Campbell's Debate with Mr. 
McCalla the same truth was distinctly set forth. 
But it remained among the theories. Sinners still 
languished in despairing doubt, awaiting some light, 
emotion, or sensation on which they might settle as 
the " white stone " of elective grace, specially im- 
parted to assure them they were of the elect for 
whom Christ died. Besides, all the prominent creeds 
of Christendom contain the doctrine of baptism as a 
pledge of remission, as an item of dogmatic belief. 
But not one of the sects built upon them carries out 
its creed, in this particular, into practical result, and 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 79 

tells the awakened sinner, as did Peter on the first 
Pentecost after the ascension : *' Repent, and be bap- 
tized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, 
for the remission of sins/' 

This practical use and application of the gospel to 
bring convicted sinners into the immediate enjoy- 
ment of the forgiveness of sins, through the pardon- 
ing mercy of God in Christ, constitutes an epoch of 
grand significance in the return of the disciples from 
the great apostasy back to Jerusalem, to its gospel 
and its glory. It had been taught and accepted as a 
doctrine ; now it became an advocacy. It was a truth 
acknowledged in theory; it was now a duty demand- 
ing practice. Now restored as a practical truth, it 
was destined to become, in the hands of the proclaim- 
ers of the gospel, the means of revolutionizing the 
practice of the church as it relates to the reception 
of converts to Christ, by restoring to the ministry 
the method established by the holy apostles under 
the great commission. 

" The Lord gave the word, great was the company 
of them that published it/' This re-announcement 
of the gospel was soon noised abroad. There were 
many Simeons and Annas, too, as well as Josephs, 
who were waiting for this consolation of Israel. 
There was, besides the preachers of the Mahoning 
Association, a class of preachers of ardent zeal and 
great influence with the people, who had come by a 
different path to the point in the process of conver- 
sion, at which the newly restored manner of present- 
ing the gospel commended itself to them as a neces- 
sity, and as the only missing link in the chain of gos- 
pel agencies. These were known as *' Christians," 



8o EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

" Bible Christians," or, sometimes, " New Lights." 
This last appellation they steadily repudiated. James 
Hug-hes, Lewis Hamrick, Lewis Comer, and John 
Secrest, all from Kentucky, coadjutors with the cel- 
ebrated and godly B. W. Stone, came through Bel- 
mont and Columbiana counties, converting many, 
and planting churches according to the light of the 
gospel so far as they had attained to it. They re- 
pudiated all creeds, contended for the Bible alone, 
were sticklers for the name "Christian," and being 
full of zeal and gifted in exhortation, they gained 
many converts. They pursued the method known 
as the " mourning-bench system,'* completing the 
process of conversion and reception by giving to the 
convert publicly the " right hand of fellowship," when 
he was regarded as a member of the church. One 
of these, John Secrest, a man of mark in person, 
with glossy dark hair and black eyes, grave in man- 
ner, with powerful voice and persuasive address, came 
to William MitchelFs, in Belmont County, whose 
three sons, James G., Nathan J., and David G. 
Mitchell, afterward became men of much note and 
great usefulness in the reformation. These were all 
youths at the visit of Secrest. 
In conversation, Secrest said : 

''Bro. Mitchell, I have just been at Bethany, Va., to 
see Alexander Campbell. He edits a monthly called the 
^ Christian Baptist.' He is a man of great talent, a scholar, 
and he has got forty years ahead of this generation, and 
whether they ever catch up I have my doubts. He has 
waged war with the clergy, and he will bring them all 
down on his head, the Baptists in particular ; and if he 
carries the thing through as he has commenced, he will 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 8 1 

revolutionize the whole Protestant world, for his founda- 
tion can never be shaken. He has with him a man by the 
name of Scott, to whom I was introduced. He asked me 
these questions : * Bro. Secrest, do you baptize a good 
many persons?* I told him I baptized quite a number. 
'Then,' said he, 'into what do you baptize them?' This 
was a new thought, and it perplexed me. I tell you, Bro. 
Mitchell, the apostles baptized persons into Christ ; not 
into the Baptist Church, or any other, but into Christ ; 
and baptism is more than a mere outward ordinance ; it 
has a greater significance than most people are aware of. 
In it we become related to Christ." 

The " Christian Baptist" became a regular guest in 
that family. 

Of this wing of the reformation came such men as 
John Whitacre, of Minerva ; William. Schooley, of 
Salem, both having birthright in the Quaker frater- 
nity ; John Flick also, and Joseph Gaston, with 
others of reputation among the churches. It was 
John Secrest and Joseph Gaston who appeared, and 
were welcomed among the Baptist ministry in the 
New Lisbon Association. 

All these men, upon examination, accepted the 
order of the gospel as presented by Scott, adopted 
it, and spent their lives in its defense. Thus was af- 
forded another case illustrating the manner in which 
the union of Christians is to be effected ; by the 
knowledge, belief, and practice of the apostolic teach- 
ing ; not by orders in council, not by conventional 
decrees, nor by some ethereal liberalism of senti- 
ment without basis or bounds. 

Scott and Joseph Gaston became greatly devoted 
to each other, traveling and laboring much together. 



82 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

They were as David and Jonathan. Gaston was 
charmed and instructed by the manly, intellectual 
eloquence of Scott, who, in turn, equally admired and 
loved the piety, simplicity, and pathos of Gaston. 
This brother hath a history — brief, sad, and lovely. 
He was the son of James and Mary Gaston, born on 
Peter's Creek, Washington County, Pa., March 25, 
1 80 1. When he was twenty years of age, his mother, 
then a widow, moved to Augusta, Carroll County, 
Ohio. Attending a prayer meeting, and showing 
some levity inconsistent in such a place, a Miss 
Walton, a member of the family where the meeting 
was held, fell upon her knees, and so earnestly com- 
mended his soul to Jesus, as to plant impressions 
there never to be effaced. Soon after, at a meeting 
held in Minerva by John Secrest, he confessed the 
Lord and was baptized. In the exercises of prayer 
and of exhortation, public and private, his heart and 
mouth were immediately opened. Many felt the 
power of religion under his earnest and impassioned 
appeals. Falling in with Bro. Scott, and learning 
more perfectly of *'this way," he was carried up to 
new heights of wonder at the perfection of the 
knowledge of God, and of enthusiasm in pleading 
for sinners to be reconciled to God. The oil of Jo- 
seph's lamp burned brightly, but it was destined soon 
to burn out. He was afflicted with hemorrhage 
of the lungs. The violence of his labors brought 
on a crisis; and on the 6th of December, 1834, 
closed his most triumphant course. For twenty 
minutes immediately before his death, he exhorted 
those about him with great strength of voice, and al- 
most angelic fervor; then he fell asleep as peacefully 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 83 

as when an infant is hushed to its gentle slum- 
bers. 

He was led to clearer views of the gospel in the 
following manner, as related by Bro. Scott : 

*• I had appointed a certain day in which to break bread 
with the Baptist Church at Salem. Bro. Gaston was a res- 
ident of Columbiana County, and was at that time in the 
vicinity of Salem. The Baptist brethren regarded him as 
a good man and a true disciple ; but he was a Christian 
or New Light, and contended for open communion — things 
which they greatly disliked. Before meeting, the princi- 
pal brethren requested me to converse with him on the 
subject, saying they were sure I could convert him. 

*^ Accordingly I took him out in presence of them all; 
but he gave me no time, being as impatient and undoubt- 
ing on open communion as they were on close commun- 
ion. I told him, however, that the brethren had commis- 
sioned me to convert him to their opinions, and smiled. 
He said he had come to convert me to his. 

*^I then set before him the terms of the ancient gos- 
pel as I had arranged them, and told him that their dis- 
pute about communion was silly and unprofitable. He 
heard me with delight. I appealed to the Scriptures, and 
he smiled ; and soon, with a laugh, he exclaimed, ' It is 
all true ! and I believe every word of it, and I will take 
you to a Christian brother who will receive it in a moment.* 

''After meeting, I accompanied him to the house of 
said brother, living a mile and a half from the village ; 
and the man and his wife hearing it, and examining the 
Scriptures, received it with all readiness that same night, 
so that on that day were brought over to the side of the 
gospel two excellent men, both laborers among the ' Chris- 
tians.* *' 

The ''Christian brother*' alluded to above, was Wil- 
liam Schooley, a very useful and exemplary man. He was 



84 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

a pioneer of great independence ; manly, and long a pil- 
lar in the cause of primitive Christianity. 

He was born in Bedford County, Va., August 5, 1792. 
In 1802, when Ohio was yet a territory, he settled, with 
his parents, near the spot where the town of Salem now 
stands. In 1839, he removed to Maysville, Clay County, 
111. This, with the exception of a few years in Fulton 
County, 111., was his continued residence till his death, 
which occurred Jan. 31, 1873, i^ ^^^^ eighty-first year of 
his age. 

He was educated among the Friends, or Quakers, and 
imbibed their doctrines. But maturing in mind, as in 
years, and seeing Christendom all given up to the idolatry 
of partisan faiths, he became skeptical. Yet his reverence 
for the Bible held him fast. He read the gospel. In it 
his sincere and candid heart saw beauty and truth. *^ I 
thought, '' he says, '^if there is any thing in religion, it is 
as much to me as any one else. ' ' In this state of mind he 
went several miles to hear one Robert Hocking, a ** New 
Light** or Bible Christian. He claimed the Bible to be 
sufficient, opposed creeds as foundations of religious par- 
ties, and assumed the term Christian as the distinctive 
name of the followers of Christ. This gained his ready 
assent. Soon after, Thomas Whitacre came, and held a 
meeting in Schooley^s house. Following up his convic- 
tions, he and many others confessed the Lord, and, after 
the manner of that people, were received into church re- 
lation by the '^ right hand of fellowship.*' . 

Population was sparse, and preachers few. Bro. Schooley 
was soon called forth to exhort the members, and to 
defend the '^ new religion,*' as these simple and ele- 
mentary views of the gospel began to be called. The 
people spoke of him as a preacher ; and from that time, 
November, 1822, till he was past eighty, he ceased not to 
labor in the gospel. He was ordained March 16, 1823, 
by Elders John Secrest and Thomas Whitacre. His labors 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 85 

were mostly in Columbiana County, though he preached 
in one or two counties adjoining, and traveled some in 
Pennsylvania and Virginia. He says: '* I went to the 
warfare at my own expense. I do not reccollect that I 
received more than one dollar for my labors, as it was 
thought among the brethren that it was wrong to pay for 
preaching the gospel. This idea came from the Quakers. 
However, it was very convenient ; it cost them nothing. 
Yet it was a heavy burden to those that preached. I have 
never thought it right to sell the gospel, or to make it a 
matter of merchandise ; but I think the members of the 
church ought to know their duty, and to be prudently lib- 
eral towards the laborers of the gospel." So writes this 
good and sound man at an advanced age. 

Schooley was a large, heavy man, remarkably firm and 
unyielding in his conscientious convictions. He was 
more distinguished for sound sense, prudence in counsel, 
and for his clear teaching of the gospel, than for elo- 
quence or power of appeal. Hence he was less a reviv- 
alist than many ; but he yielded a far more steady and 
permanent support to the churches. He was a leading 
man in the community, profoundly respected for his thor- 
ough honesty and benevolence. 

The souls of Gaston and Scott became " knit to- 
gether in love." They labored together with great 
zeal and overwhelming success ; whole churches of 
the "New Lights'* and of the Baptists, in Salem, 
New Lisbon, East Fairfield, Greeny New Garden, 
Hanover, and Minerva, unloading the ship of the 
cantraband wares of human tradition, became one 
people in the Lord and in his word. Conversions 
followed their labors in all places. 

Bro. Gaston was ordained among the " Bible 
Christians." His fervid soul knew no bounds in his 
efforts to save sinners. A plaintive strain of tender- 



86 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ness mingled with his impassioned persuasiveness. 
In tears he begged the people to turn from sin 
and come to Christ. In the ardor of his soul he 
has been known to fall upon his knees that he might 
plead more effectively, and win the lost soul to the 
Savior. Once when Scott's own powers of exhorta- 
tion — a gift in which he was a great master — failed to 
bring the people to repentance, he turned suddenly 
around, exclaiming, " Bro. Joseph, you get at these 
people!" 

As he found his lungs giving away he exclaimed, 
" Oh ! if I had only understood the gospel when I 
made my start in religion ! How much suffering I 
might have escaped, and how much more good I might 
have done ! But now I must go down to an untimely 
grave, and leave this good and glorious work of pub- 
lishing the gospel to others ! " After some six years 
of a most active, laborious, self-denying and very suc- 
cessful ministry, this pure, devoted man gathered up 
his feet upon his couch and was with Jesus. He ex- 
pired, in Steubenville, at the residence of his brother- 
in-law, Mr. Manful. His brother James leaned over 
his sainted brother in his departure. His breathing 
became heavy, his eyes closed, and while all waited 
the last pulse, he suddenly revived, and addressed to 
all about him an exhortation of wonderful power. It 
was delivered in a full sonorous voice, accompanied 
by the free use of his hands. Then the farewell to 
his wife and children followed, and in a few moments 
he entered the chariot. 

It was noted that every one in the room at the time 
of his death, who was not already a Christian, turned 
to the Lord. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERV^E. 8/ 

The bright jewel of the " Ancient Gospel," as the 
newly discovered arrangement of its fundamental 
items began now to be designated, attracted universal 
attention. So simple, so novel, so convincingly clear, 
and so evidently supported by the reading of the Acts, 
it won friends and wrought victories wherever it was 
proclaimed. It spread rapidly and became the topic 
of excited investigation from New Lisbon to the 
Lakes. Mr. Scott's success in Columbiana County 
had so completely demonstrated the correctness of 
his method of the direct application of the gospel for 
the salvation of sinners, that his zeal knew no bounds. 
He was a rapid rider. Mantled in his cloak, with a 
small polyglot Bible in the minion type, which he 
constantly studied, he hurried from place to place to 
tell the news ; to preach the things concerning the 
kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. 

Biography of John Whitacre. 

In Columbiana and adjoining counties, no man had 
greater influence than John Whitacre. He was born to be 
a leader. Though unambitious, he possessed varied abili- 
ties of a higher order which naturally gave him eminence. 
He was frequently solicited to stand the poll for the legis- 
lature, and for congress, but he steadily refused. He was 
elected to the office of County Surveyor for Stark County 
by a handsome majority, when the voters on the- opposing 
ticket counted nine hundred of a majority. 

He was born in Loudon County, Va., February 14, 
1790. His father and mother, Edward and Martha Whit- 
acre, were strict members of the Friends' Society ; conse- 
quently, their children had a birthright among that peo- 
ple. They moved into Columbiana County when the In- 
dians, and the game which they chased, abounded in the 



88 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

forests. Chances for education were scanty, but he drank 
with avidity from all springs of knowledge, taught in the 
schools, became master of the art of surveying, and served 
as the surveyor of the county about thirty-four years. In 
his surveying tours he often preached the gospel with great 
effect. He joined the movement which originated "about 
the beginning of this century under the labors of Stone, 
Hughes, O'Kane, and others ; and was baptized by Robert 
Hawkins, of Pennsylvania. When the advocates of the 
newer light, or, rather, the older light of the original gos- 
pel, came to him, he met them book in hand. After a 
careful consideration of this plea, and a candid examina- 
tion of the Scriptures, he said, **It is true ; and as I have 
set out to follow the Bible, I can not reject it.'' He never 
wavered, but held on till the day of his death preaching 
the glad tidings wherever an opportunity offered. He Avas 
very zealous, and sought in every way to leach the people. 
He was popular as a preacher, convincing in proof, warm 
and persuasive in exhortation, and brought many souls to 
Christ. He abounded in anecdote, was ready and apt in fig- 
•ures, pointed and witty in retort. These qualities, with a 
benevolent disposition, and a manly, noble form, singled 
him out as a man first in society, and first before great as- 
semblies. He was not only hospitable, but ** given to 
hospitality. ' ' His business talents — the owner and success- 
ful conductor of the mills at Minerva — enabled him to gratify 
his generous and social dispositions, by entertaining, with 
great liberality, the many guests who for many years were 
welcome in his family mansion. 

Staying over night at a hotel where were other guests, 
strangers to him, in the evening the conversation arose 
among them in regard to Christianity. A young man who 
had imbibed skeptical sentiments spoke up pertly: ** I 
would not believe those old Bible stories eighteen hundred 
) ears old, nor any thing for which I had not the evidence 
'.)f my senses." Whitacre, who, till now had been silent, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 89 

spoke : ^' Young man, I perceive you have no mind." He 
replied, with warmth : *^ Sir, I claim to have as much 
mind as you, or any other man." ^^Let me ask you a 
question," said Whitacre: ^^Did you ever see your mind, 
or /lear it ? or did you ever fee/ j taste, or smell your mind ? ' ' 
** No, sir, ' ^ said the youth. * * Then, according to your own 
assertion, you have no mind ! " This '^ brought the house 
down," and the young man was afterward wiser and more 
modest. On another occasion, he was at a meeting where 
several persons were gathered at the '^ altar " in prayer for 
divine power to come down. Among them was a lady of 
intelligent appearance, who evidently was in deep distress. 
She prayed that God would ^^give her faith — saving faith; 
that he would help her to believe in Jesus." When she 
closed, Whitacre spoke to her : '' Madam," said he, '^ what 
would you give for faith in Mahomet?" ** Nothing," 
was her somewhat indignant reply. ^^ Why not?" he con- 
tinued. ''Because," she rejoined, ''I believe him to be 
an impostor." ''But why are you so anxious for faith in 
Jesus Christ? " " Because," said she, " I believe he is my 
only Savior." "Well," said Whitacre, "why are you pray- 
ing for that which you say you have? Why not go for- 
ward and obey the gospel, and be made free from sin ? " On 
an occasion, while out surveying, he asked a young lady 
in the family if she was a Christian. "No, sir, I am not." 
" Would you like to be ?" he asked. "Yes, sir ; if I only 
knew how, I would gladly become one." He made an ap- 
pointment, and ' so preached ' and taught the people that 
not only she, but many others turned to the Lord ; and a 
church was founded which for many years was a blessing 
to the people. 

He was taken sick while surveying the farm of Ira M. 
Allen, near Canton, and died at Mr. Allen's house. The 
nervous system was prostrated ; the brain power gave way ; 
the ' wheel was broken at the fountain, and the silver 
cord was loosed.* 
8 



90 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

He belonged to a generation of noble men who 
wrought a work which no man appreciated in their day. 
For unflinching integrity, and a life-long devotion to truth 
and righteousness, it is not easy to overestimate the grand- 
eur and excellence of his life. He died the 26th day of 
November, in the 77th year of his age. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVfi. QI 



CHAPTER IV. 

Origin of the Church in Warren — Siege of Warren — The" Church in 
Lordstown — Biography of Bentley — Biography of C, Bosworth 
—East Fairfield— Death of Mitchell. 

THE Baptist Church in Warren was formed Sep- 
tember 3, 1803, by Elder Chas. B. Smith. It 
consisted of the following ten persons: Isaac R. 
Dally, Effie Dally, Jane Dally, Saml. Burnett, Nancy 
Burnett, John Leavitt, Jr., Caleb Jones, Mary Jones, 
Saml. Fortner, and Henry Fortner. Isaac R. Dally 
was the deacon, and John Leavitt, Jr., clerk. No elder 
was appointed, as the Baptist order made no provis- 
ion for "ruling elders," the preachers only being 
eligible to that designation. May 5, 1804, they were 
re-inforced by five additions — Samuel Quimby, Sam- 
uel and Sophia Hayden, residing in Youngstown, 
and Wm. and Martha Jackson. 

From 1806 to 1810, Elder T. G. Jones preached 
occasionally to them. May 19, 1810, A. Bentley, 
then a licentiate minister, was received and ordained 
the same day. Some of the members residing in 
Youngstown, it was resolved Jan. '5, 181 1, to meet 
alternately in that town, near Parkhurst's Mills, and 
in Warren. February 8, 18 12, Isaac R. Dally and 
Saml. Hayden, after being "proved," were ordained 
as deacons. 

This church was a parent of churches — Youngs- 
town, Bazetta, Lordstown, and Howland, all sprang 
from it. January 11, 1815, thirteen members were 



92 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

dismissed on application to organize in Youngstown, 
viz. : Saml. and Sophia Hayden, Benj. and Elizabeth 
Ross, Wm. and Parthena Dean, Caleb and Mary- 
Jones, Isaac R. AUee, Saml. Burnett, Lydia Cook, 
Sarah Morris, and Nancy Jones ; which church was 
formed Lord's day the 19th of April following — 
Thos. Rigdon, J. Woodworth, and A. Bentley, offi- 
ciating. They took the name of " Zoar," (Gen. xix : 
20, 22,) that is, "little ; '' probably in allusion to the 
language of Lot : "Oh, let me escape thither, and 
my soul shall live." 

This Thomas Rigdon was a man of much promi- 
nence as a preacher, and was worthy of the distinc- 
tion conferred on him. He served with accept- 
ability a term in the Ohio Legislature. There were 
three brothers, Thomas, John, and Charles, all Bap- 
tist ministers. They all fully adopted the views of 
the reformation, and faithfully defended them. They 
were cousins of the famous Sidney Rigdon. 

December 4, 18 19, the church granted the peti- 
tion of eight members in Bazetta to form a church in 
that town. Benajah and Olive Austin were accepted 
for membership, February 5, 1820, and baptized the 
20th of the same month by Mr. Bentley. March 4th, 
following, Sidney Rigdon was received into member- 
ship, and licensed April ist, to preach. He married 
Miss Phebe Brooks, and after two years moved to 
Pittsburgh. 

The Baptist people of those times were a humble, 
Bible-loving brotherhood. The gospel in their hands 
was plead with much simplicity and pious zeal. 
Churches were increasing, and ministers multiplying. 
Warren was the leading center ; as it was also for 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 93 

years the seat of justice for the Western Reserve. 
Here in 1821, and again in 1822, were held the min- 
isterial assemblies of which Mr. Campbell thus 
speaks : 

** Ministers' meetings once a year in different parts of 
that section of Ohio, for the purpose of making dis- 
courses before the people, and then for criticising them 
in concio7ie clerum, and for propounding and answering 
questions on the sacred Scriptures, were about this time 
instituted and conducted with great harmony and much 
advantage. I became a regular attendant, and found in 
them much pleasure and profit.'' ** These meetings were 
not appreciated too highly, as the sequel developed, inas- 
much as they disabused the minds of the Baptist ministry 
of the Mahoning Association of much prejudice, and pre- 
pared the way for a great change of views and practice 
all over those 3,000,000 acres of the nine* counties which 
constitute the Western Reserve." 

Changes, to be safe, must be gradual. The light 
of day bursts not suddenly on the earth, and the 
earth itself, with all things upon it, came into being 
by a measured progress. Great principles are slow 
in operation. Revolutions, to be permanent, must ma- 
ture as they progress. This community of churches 
was discussing great subjects ; and as rapidly as was 
safe the people were preparing for the scenes 
which I proceed now to relate. 

Late in the autumn of 1827, as Walter Scott was 
riding down Buffalo Creek from Bethany toward 
Wellsburg, Va., he met John Secrest and James G. 
Mitchell, on their way to visit Mr. Campbell. They 
sat on their horses a good while talking over the 

* Eleven counties by divisions since made.. 



94 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCJPLES 

State and prospects of the cause of Christ. Scott 
was soon on his favorite theme — the '^ancient gos- 
pel/* as he called it. He said he was sick at heart 
hearing people talk about their dreams and visions, 
but not one syllable about their obedience to Jesus 
Christ — not a word about what blessing the ancient 
gospel secured to those who submitted themselves to 
the Messiah of God. 

Young Mitchell was charmed with his conversa- 
tion, and the brogue of his native Scotch tongue. 
He had never met him before. Scott, turning to Se- 
crest, asked if this young man had any gift in ex- 
hortation ? He replied that he had, and that if he 
would keep humble he might do much good. ^' God 
bless him,'' said Scott. "I hope he will ; he is the 
man I want. You meet me at Bro. Jacob Camp- 
bell's, in New Lisbon, and we will away to Warren 
and besiege the town ten days and nights : I will 
preach and you will exhort, and we will make their 
ears tingle with the ancient gospel." 

The Mitchells were a preaching family. They were 
men of firmness, promptitude, untiring zeal, and 
abundant in labors. The three brothers — James, 
Nathan, and David — were sons of William Mitchell, 
whose ancestors emigrated from England with Lord 
Baltimore, and settled in Maryland. William Mitch- 
ell removed to Washington County, Pa., where James 
was born, December 5, 1805, and Nathan, March 2, 
1808. Near Morristown, Belmont County, O., in 181 3, 
where Mr. Mitchell had moved with his family, Joseph 
Hughes, of saintly memory, and Lewis Hamrick, re- 
vivalists of the *' Christian connection," found them, 
and led therri, father and sons, out of the wilderness 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 95 

of religious doubt and conflict into the way of the 
gospel as practiced by that order of people. Brought 
forward in " exhortation," as was their jcustom, 
James and Nathan, and eventually David also, be- 
came prominent, and they have long been in the 
front rank among the most active and useful preach- 
ers of the gospel. 

At the time agreed on, Bro. Mitchell went to New 
Lisbon, where he found Bro. Scott waiting for him. 
They arrived at Scott's residence in Canfield that 
evening, and next morning they proceeded to War- 
ren, and found a welcome in the family of Bro. Rich- 
ard Brooks. 

It was January, 1828. The town lay in spiritual 
lethargy, profoundly ignorant of the tempest of 
spiritual excitement about to sweep over the place. 
Bentley had preached well and lived well ; but he 
held not the key to the heart, nor was he skilled to 
awaken the music of the soul. A new era was at 
hand in the religious history of Warren. 

Scott came unheralded. His first appointment 
was attended by few. There was neither expecta- 
tion nor interest sufficient to collect an audience. A 
group of little boys, to some of whom he had spoken 
along the street in his eccentric way, were attracted 
by curiosity to the meeting which was held in the 
court-house. These, with a few old people, consti- 
tuted his audience. In his discourse, after address- 
ing the old with little apparent effect, he turned play- 
fully to the boys, related to them some anecdotes, 
then skillfully changing his theme and tone, he 
melted them with sympathy for the sufferings of Je- 
sus. His discourse was anecdote, pathos, wit, elo- 



96 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

quence, and general remark, the whole intended for 
future rather than present effect. He announced 
another appointment, and dismissed. Mitchell was 
disgusted. 

*^We had not gone far,*' he writes, ^^ before I asked 
him if that was the way he was going to pursue in besieg- 
ing the town of Warren ! — and if that was his ancient 
gospel! If so, I have no farther business in Warren." 
' Oh! ' he said, ^ my dear brother, there was no one there 
worth preaching to, and I just threw that out for a bait. 
Hold still, we shall have a hearing yet, and then we will 
pour the great truths of the gospel red hot into their 
ears ! * I thought possibly he was strategic in his method 
of gaining a hearing, and concluded to wait the issue. 

**He was cheerful and social all the afternoon, anxious 
to get a hearing. Bro. Brooks kept silent. We could 
learn nothing concerni'ng the discourse from the old folks 
or the boys. So passed this first day of the siege. 

"'*At the appointed time we started to the meeting. 
The Baptist Church was secured, doubtless through Bro. 
Bentley's permission. Passing up, we found it crowded 
to its utmost capacity, and a number on the outside. Giv- 
ing me an elbow touch, ^ Do you see them nibbling at the 
bait ? ' said he. ^ Yes,' I told him, * I see plenty of people 
present.' We pressed our way through the dense crowd 
to the pulpit. We sung his favorite song — 

** Come and taste along with me 
Consolation running free 
From my Father's wealthy throne, 
Sweeter than the honey-comb.*' 

I opened with prayer. After it, he arose and read the 
third and fourth chapters of Matthew. The baptism of 
Christ and the temptation, was his theme. He straightened 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 9/ 

himself to his full height, his great chocolate eyes glisten- 
ing, his whole face full of animation and earnestness. 
He brought his siege guns into position, and for an hour 
and a half the house rang with his eloquence. I shall not 
attempt to give an outline, for no man could do justice to 
that sermon. While he described the Son of God hurling 
the word of his Father and his God on the great adversary, 
and lashing his hardened soul with words that had pro- 
ceeded out of the mouth of God, until his brazen face 
shriveled, and his countenance most brazen fell, and he 
left, cowed, dismayed, foiled in his attempt, and the won- 
derful hero of redemption master of the field, victorious 
in the terrible conflict, while heaven's hosts came and 
ministered to him — he was powerful, lofty, and sublime. 
I had never heard such a discourse, so touching, so telling, 
not only on me, for the whole audience was moved. 

^'The siege was now fairly commenced. Up to the 
next Thursday an incessant fire was kept up day and night. 
The ancient gospel was poured into their ears. They 
were astonished, amazed. They got their Bibles, and 
went to reading and searching for the truth. No word 
fell on the floor, or hit the wall — all was .eagerly caught 
and tried by the book. They could do nothing against 
it ; it was the simple gospel of Christ in its facts, and 
commands, and promises. 

^^ After the discourse on the temptation, he said we will 
sing a hymn, and see who will be on the Lord's side. 
We sang — 

** Come and taste along with me/' etc. 

''Three persons came forward. He asked them if they 
believed with all their heart that Jesus is the Christ, the 
Son of God. ' These persons,' said he, ' will be baptized 
to-morrow after sermon, for the remission of their sins.' 
We baptized every day, and sometimes the same hour of 
the night." 
9 



98 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

The tide of interest was flowing high. Scott's 
next discourse was on Peter's confession, Matt, xvi : 
" Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God," a 
grand theme, favorite with him, and grandly handled. 
Mitchell came after with a spirited and powerful ex- 
hortation to the people to come and take their stand 
on this durable and firm foundation which God has 
laid as the only hope of the world. 

Baptism followed the evening meeting. Mitchell 
says to Scott, " Do not let the people know where we 
are going, and we will slip over to Bro. Jacob Harsh's 
and get a good night's rest, and be prepared for the 
labors of the next day" — for every night the places 
where they put up were crowded with inquiring and 
anxious souls. Mitchell retired and left Bro. Scott 
drying his clothes. It was but a few minutes before 
the house was filled with awakened people. Scott 
said, *' If you follow me to learn the ancient gospel, I 
will pour it into your ears as long as I can wag a 
word off the end of my tongue." Mitchell fell asleep, 
leaving Mr. Scott speaking to the people. A number 
were deeply penitent. Scott awoke Mitchell, and 
told him to come and deliver one of his pathetic ex- 
hortations. " I would be in a fine mood, Bro. Walter, 
to exhort the people, just aroused from sleep ! " '* The 
iron is hot ; one stroke when hot is worth a dozen 
when it is cold !" Out came Mitchell, singing as he 
came an old hymn, beginning : 

** Begone, unbelief! my Savior is near, 
And for my relief will surely appear." 

He then began an exhortation based on the word 
** losty The great loss, ah ! the greatest, was to lose 
the soul ; to be lost to God and Christ ; and heaven 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 99 

and angels ; and the pure and good ; lost to eternal 
life and all bliss. Mr. John Tait, a Presbyterian, who 
had been strongly opposed, but who was now deeply 
moved, cried out, " Young man, for mercy's sake pray 
for me, for my heart is as hard and unfeeling as a 
stone." "Bless God ! " said Scott, *' Tait is a conver- 
ted man.'' They all kneeled down, and Bro. Mitchell 
prayed for him. He wept aloud ; so did Scott. " We 
are," said he, " to weep with them that weep, and re- 
joice with them that rejoice.'* Then, addressing Tait. 
Scott said, " Are you willing to follow your faith ? Do 
you believe with all your heart in Jesus Christ the 
Son of God ? " Mr. Scott, I do ; but my heart is so 
hard ; I am as unfeeling as a stone." " Ah ! but ' we 
walk by faith.' * This is the victory that overcometh 
the world, even our faith.' Let your feelings gush up 
from your faith in God's Son, effects which must fol- 
low the obedience of faith." ** Mr. Scott, I am ready 
to obey my faith." " Bless God ! that is the path to 
travel." 

Once more they started for the Mahoning, singing 
out on the midnight air as they went, 

*< Come and taste along with me, 
Consolation running free." 

Mr. Tait and several others were baptized upon the 
confession of their faith in the Savior of sinners ; 
after which, Scott, addressing them, said, " Follow your 
faith." 

Next morning, the crowd still large, Scott asked 
Bro. Mitchell to proceed in the discourse ; which he 
did from the words of Peter concerning the *' lively 
hope." He was only well begun, when Mr. Tait 
cried out, ** I give glory to God ! my soul is full of 



100 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

love to God and man." The effect was wonderful. 
** Go on," said Scott to the preacher. " It is no use ; 
the feelings of the people are too high above any 
effort I can make." Scott took the audience, and in 
a very forcible manner gave an opportunity to obey 
the glorious gospel and be filled with the fullness of 
God. A number came penitently to confess their 
Savior. 

The next meeting closed the siege. Two such 
houses would not have held the people. ** Too many," 
said Scott, "for the effect we wish to produce." The 
closing discourse was a recapitulation of the princi- 
pal topics discoursed during the meeting. So ended 
the siege of Warren, with over fifty conversions. 

Bro. Mitchell adds in conclusion : 

^* It is due Bro. Walter Scott to give him credit as among 
the first on the continent of America, if not the very first, 
who took the old field-notes of the apostles and run the 
original survey, beginning at Jerusalem. The first man I 
ever heard preach baptism in the name of Jesus, with its 
antecedents, for the remission of sins, and reduce it to 
practice. And from this period, 1827, it spread like fire 
on a prairie all over the country, and happy thousands have 
rejoiced to learn how to become disciples of Christ ac- 
cording to the divine arrangement and purpose of God.'' 

Scarce a vestige remained of the church in Warren 
to oppose the establishment of the ancient order. 
Additions continued to come in under the preaching 
of Bentley, Osborne, and Elder Thomas Campbell, 
who arrived soon afterward in the place. The fires 
of a new religious life were kindled in neighboring 
communities. On the 6th of March, 1830, the breth- 
ren in Rowland were dismissed to form a church in 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. lOI 

that place. In the beginning of the year 1831, Cyrus 
Bosworth and Benajah Austin were chosen bishops 
of the church, and Richard S. Brooks, James Gibson, 
and Moses Haskell, deacons. The members in 
Lords town, whose names were chronicled in Warren, 
sent a petition to be set off, to unite with the church 
in that town, which was granted October 21st, 1832. 

Bro. Bentley having located near Chagrin Falls, 
the church in Warren was left to supply itself 
with another pastor. At their call, Bro. Jonas Hart- 
zel came ; and on the 5th of April, 1835, he was in- 
stalled as preacher, and associate elder with Bro. C. 
Bosworth. Subsequently, the church has had J. E. 
Gaston, Isaac Errett, John W. Errett, and others, 
who, with a judicious and experienced eldership, have 
maintained to this day the cause of Christ in War- 
ren. 

Very early a congregation sprang up in Lordstown. 
The new converts — fruits of Scott's meeting in War- 
ren, with the members already there, and others gath- 
ered by Henry, Marcus Bosworth, and others — gave 
them such strength, that on the 20th of March, 1830, 
forty-one came together in the order of the Scripture 
models. Robert Tait and Moses Haskell were over- 
seers, and John Tait and David Lewis, deacons. The 
church grew to considerable strength, and few have 
had a more stable brotherhood. They have partici- 
pated in all the enterprises by which the cause of 
primitive Christianity has been sustained. The pres- 
ent number is about fifty. They have a good house 
of worship, and have been favored recently with the 
diligent and prudent labors, as pastor and elder, of 
Philander Green. 



I02 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



Biography of Adamson Bentley. 

The life of a good man is a blessing to the world. As 
certain waters transmute to stone the perishable wood de- 
posited in them, so communion with God turns all the 
actions of a man's life to immortality. Biography has its 
office — its mission among men. The biographic pen, like 
the pencil, rightly used, works out immortal things. Its 
rightful use is to record, in durable permanence, a useful 
life which floats in transient recollections, and to extend 
it from the family to the world. 

Adamson Bentley is beloved for his work's sake, ten- 
derly remembered for qualities of character which mark 
him as a rare and noble man. He was born July 4th, 
1785, in Allegheny County, Pa. While he was yet young 
his father moved with his numerous family to Brookfield, 
Trumbull County, Ohio ; a country not yet rescued from 
the dominion of the primitive forest. Here young Bent- 
ley experienced the privations common to pioneer life. 
He struggled through encumbering difficulties till he ob- 
tained a suitable education for the profession in life in 
which he was so long distinguished. 

He made public confession of his faith in Christ when 
he was a youth, in the Baptist order. His religious guard- 
ians discovering the bent and capacity of the young Timo- 
thy, and correctly foreseeing the usefulness to which he 
might attain, advised him to prepare for the ministry. 

He began to preach at nineteen. Holding the system 
of Calvinism to be the unquestionable scheme of saving 
grace, he taught and urged its doctrines with the most un- 
scrupulous fidelity. The clashing between the offers of 
mercy to all men, and the system which denied this sal- 
vation to any but the elect, was constantly present and 
constantly felt. In the honest devotion of his nature he 
carried the system in his head, and the love of God in his 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. IO3 

heart. And as the heart, in this behalf, was better than 
the head, he proclaimed the love of Christ so powerfully 
that many conversions followed his ministry. As no man, 
probably, ever believed this doctrine more sincerely, so 
no one ever rejoiced more fully when its scales fell from 
his eyes. Take the following testimony from his own lips, 
as the writer heard him, in his own solemn style, declare his 
feelings in the great yearly meeting in Hubbard, 1837 : 

'*I used to take my little children on my knee, and 
look upon them as they played in harmless innocence 
about me, and wonder which of them was to be finally and 
forever lost ! It can not be that God has been so good 
to me as to elect all my children ! No, no ! I am myself 
a miracle of mercy, and it can not be that God has been 
kinder to me than to all other parents. Some of these 
must be of the non-elect, and will be finally banished from 
God and all good. 'And now,' he continued, his paren- 
tal heart swelling with unutterable emotions, 'if I only 
knew which of my children were to dwell in everlasting 
burnings, oh ! how kind and tender would I be to them, 
knowing that all the comfort they would ever experience 
would be here in this world ! But now I see the gos- 
pel admits all to salvation. Now I can have every one 
for eternal happiness. Now I can pray and labor for 
them in hope.' " 

His prayers were heard : years before his departure, he 
enjoyed that greatest bliss of a pious parent's heart — he 
saw all his children walking in the truth. 

He preached about five years as a licentiate. In 1810, 
he settled in Warren, and on the 19th of May, that year, 
he was ordained. On the 4th of May, the next year, at 
the unanimous call of the church, he accepted the duties 
of pastor. For a long time he was popular in that com- 
munity. The bland dignity of his manners, and his social 
courtesy, won him many friends. Though his talents as a 
preacher were above mediocrity, and he was heard with 



I04 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

delight and profit by numerous auditors, to his social 
qualities and moral excellencies, as a man and a citizen, 
are to be traced the sources of that extensive power which 
he possessed among the people. It is our fortune to be ac- 
quainted with few persons in a life-time, who wield a per- 
sonal influence so supreme. Tall, manly, graceful, with a 
countenance radiant with good nature, affable and digni- 
fied, he would stand among dignitaries as his equals, and 
condescend to the lowly with a gentleness which won the 
attachment of every heart. 

In all that constitutes home a source and fountain of 
hospitable generosities, his amiable companion was quite 
his equal. With more economy and equal social talent, 
she managed her household with such skill that the en- 
tertained and the entertainers seemed equally happy. In 
those earlier days, when social habits were not yet costumed 
into rigid rule, many a traveler urged his journey an hour 
later and a few miles further to be a guest at his broad 
hearth-fires. None knew better than the gratefully re- 
membered mistress of that hospitable home, how to ^^ wel- 
come the coming and speed the going guest.'* 

As may well be supposed, on a limited salary, the in- 
creasing expenses of his" family had not a sufficient foun- 
dation. He therefore for a time resorted to merchandise, 
merely as subsidiary, however, for he never neglected the 
preaching of the gospel. 

In the course of his ministry he traveled extensively. 
He visited Kentucky, and labored a considerable time 
among the brethren in that State, and made many friends. 
The governor of that State received him into his mansion, 
and showed him marked attentions. He traveled much 
in Pennsylvania. He crossed the mountains in his saddle 
many times. At a time when population was sparse, and 
the mountain passes were infested by robbers, he climbed 
the craggy cliffs of those mountain barriers to tell to the 
East the progress of salvation in the West, and to bear 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 05 

back to the West a share of the harvests the brethren were 
reaping in the cities of the East.- In these travels he made 
the acquaintance of the renowned Dr. William Stoughton. 
A lasting friendship grew up between the two ministers, 
which Bentley perpetuated by giving to his oldest son the 
name of his friend. Dr. Stoughton was the author of an 
abridgment of Dr. GiU's *' Complete Body of Divinity/' 
a work which, through Mr. Bentley 's influence, found many 
purchasers in the West. 

About the years 1820 to 1825, Mr. Bentley was visiting 
the Baptist Church which met near Cleveland's Mills in 
the corner of Youngstown. The memory of some yet 
living returns with speed swifter than carrier-dove to those 
primitive scenes of unsectarianized simplicity. The 
groves, '^ God's first temples," were spacious, and the 
umbrageous forests, cleared underneath, lent solemnity 
and impressiveness to the scene. I have seen him there 
with a wagon for his rostrum, and seats brought from the 
adjacent mills for the accommodation of the crowd which 
had gathered from miles around. Some leaned at the base, 
or sat down on the roots of the trees, whose leafy boughs 
interlacing, wove a sheltering protection against the sun's 
descending beams. When he stood up to read, all lis- 
tened j when he lifted up his eyes to pray, all arose; when 
he announced, in devout accent, the sweet and solemn 
hymn, all joined to swell the chorus of praise. Those 
days and scenes have been celebrated in poetic lines : 

" I well remember, and I love to stray 
Down to the grove where Bentley used to pray ; 
Where pious neighbors thronged the place around, 
And stood, or leaned, or sat upon the ground. 
I well remember how he used to stand. 
And hold his Bible in his leftward hand; 
And use his right to point out what it meant, 
While lofty oaks in silence waved assent ! '' 

When the great religious awakening under the Camp^^ 



I06 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

bells began to make a stir, though cautious, he was one 
of the first to accept the principles of a scriptural re- 
form by them so ably propounded. This appeal to prim- 
itive ground created much conflict among all the religious 
bodies, but especially among the Baptist churches. He 
made acquaintance with those eminent men, and so thor- 
oughly had he canvassed the claims of their call for union 
on Bible ground, that when the bold and eloquent Walter 
Scott came to Warren, Bentley seconded his labors, and 
warmly co-operated with him on that occasion. There 
followed a great ingathering of souls ; and the whole 
church, with scarcely an exception, adopted the platform 
of union contained in the New Testament. He continued 
to preach with great power and with fresh zeal, now that 
the new disclosures of the knowledge of the gospel had 
been made known, and many converts came to Christ 
under his ministry. In 1829, at the Association in Sharon, 
he was chosen along with Scott, Hayden, and Bosworth, 
to travel within its bounds. 

At the close of the year 1831 he removed to Chagrin 
Falls. While laboring to establish himself in his new 
home, he '^neglected not the gift that was in him.'* He 
preached at every opportunity, not only without regard to 
compensation, but rendering such help as his circum- 
stances permitted to lay the foundations of the cause in 
that new community. 

It will not be possible to follow minutely the active and 
useful life of Adamson Bentley. Such a history would 
make a volume of considerable dimensions. His interest 
in the cause of Christ, and the union of all the Israel of 
God on the primitive foundation, never flagged. He had 
great assurance of hope in the speedy dawn of the blessed 
day for the original union of the people of God to be per- 
fectly restored. His great love of peace, and his ardent, 
hopeful temperament led him to indulge bright visions of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 10/ 

the speedy triumph of the pure, primitive gospel of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

Age drew on apace, and with it a gradual decrease of 
his ability to endure field-service under the King. Yet he 
never desisted. At nearly eighty, decrepitude forced him 
to retire. The going down of his day was gradual and 
beautiful, like the decline of the sun, leaving in full play 
the amiabilities of his fine social nature. Serenity and 
cheerfulness still held sway, while the eye grew dim, and 
the natural force abated. While lingering oil the shore 
of the cold stream, he beheld the ''shining ones," and 
longed to be with them. ''I rely not on myself; my full 
and only trust is in the Rock which was cleft for me." 
Full of hope and full of days, he took his departure for 
the brighter world, November 2, 1864. He lacked only 
eight months of eighty full years. For sixty years he 
blew the trumpet, and led Israel in the glorious combat. 

In personal appearance, Mr. Bentley was more than an 
average man in dignity and comeliness. He was tall, 
finely proportioned, graceful in manners, and endowed 
with a remarkably open and engaging countenance. His 
noble form never stooped, till near the close of life he 
bowed a little, like a sheaf well ripened for the harvest. 

As a preacher, like all men who leave their impression 
on society, he was like no one else, and no one resembled 
him. He usually began slowly, with simple and plain 
statements of his subject, rambling not unfrequently, till 
warming in his theme, he broke the shackles of logic, 
and swept on like a swelling tide, bearing his audience 
along with the vehemence of his pathos and commanding 
oratory. On such occasions his voice became full, sono- 
rous, and powerful. When the shower was passed, the 
people not caring to analyze the sermon, or to trace their 
emotions to logical sources, were delighted and edified, 
and departed with marked and decided respect for the 
preacher, and with far higher reverence for the adorable 



I08 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Son of God, whom he preached and whom he served: 
He never trifled in the pulpit. His message was solemn; 
and seriously and earnestly did he deliver it. 

A life so equable as his, so uniform in its flow, has left 
no abruptness or sudden dash; little that is startling to 
create a fund of cherished anecdote. The few that are 
handed down bear the impress of his character. . At 
one time infidelity, and even atheism, made considerable 
headway in Warren. On a Lord's day he arose in a full 
assembly, and after surveying the audience in silence for 
a moment, exclaimed : ' ' There is no God I ' ' The people 
looked surprised, while wonder and doubt glanced around. 
A moment more, and he repeated it with stronger empha- 
sis. Perceiving the hearers to be thoroughly aroused, he 
looked inquiringly into his Bible for a moment. '^ But," 
he continued, in a softened tone, '' I have omitted a part 
of the sentence : ' The fool hath said in his heart there 
is no God ! ' '* The discourse which followed was a clear 
and convincing proof of the existence and perfections of 
the Creator of all things. 

He was one of the original trustees of Bethany College, 
and gave his whole influence to the missionary cause. 
The following notice of him appeared in the records of 
the missionary society for the State of Ohio, for the year 
1865. 

'^ Among the memorials of departed worth, a large space 
should be allotted to the late, most worthy and patriarchal 
brother Adamson Bentley. Since our last meeting this 
eminent man of God has gone to his rest and his reward. 
His departure, in happy consonance with the calm and 
cheerful dignity of his noble life, was gentle, peaceful, and 
blessed . No man in north-eastern Ohio possessed the weight 
of influence with the people that was wielded by this princely 
man. He came to the side of Campbell and Scott in 
that early day when such an endorsement of their plea and 
work could be appreciated only by those who witnessed 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. lOQ 

the apostolic labors and struggles which marked the early- 
epoch of our blessed work. 

^* Multitudes love to linger around the memory of this 
good man. All respected, most loved him. Of him, as 
truly as of any other man, it may be said : 

< Take him all in all, 
We ne'er shall look upon his like again.' " 

Biography of Cyrus Bosworth. 

Cyrus Bosworth, for many years a prominent citizen 
of Trumbull County, deserves much more than a passing 
notice. Few men in north-eastern Ohio have won more 
cordial or more durable respect. None surpassed him in 
enlightened views of public enterprise, in energy of char- 
acter or business capacity. He was twice elected to the 
office of Sheriff of the county ; served as Colonel of a mili- 
tary regiment, and filled a seat with credit in the Ohio 
Legislature ; in all which positions he secured the confi- 
dence of the people. 

He was born in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, April 
12, 1 79 1. He early acquired a good English education, 
especially in navigation, surveying, and such branches as 
would fit him for the seas. Yielding to the entreaty of 
friends, he gave up his inclination for a maritime life, and 
in 1811, at the age of twenty, he came to *'New Con- 
necticut." For a time he engaged in teaching, but the 
late war with Great Britain breaking out, he was employed 
as express messenger between Warren and Pittsburgh, and 
was the first to carry the news of Perry's victory to the 
latter place. He returned to New England, married Miss 
Sina Strowbridge, and in the latter part of 1 813 we find 
him, with his parents, again at Warren. He resumed his 
former occupation, but soon left it for the battle of life 
on more stirring fields. He built the National Hotel, 
erected a store, and became a merchant. His election to 



no EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the legislature was in 1822. At the expiration of that 
term, he accepted, at two successive polls, the office of 
sheriff. He settled on a large farm three miles south of 
Warren, where, in the more congenial pursuits of agricul- 
ture, he passed the maturer years of his active life. He 
lost his companion after a number of years of happy 
wedded life, and contracted a second marriage with Miss 
Sarah C. Case, sister to Leonard Case, Esq., late of Cleve- 
land — a partner who survived him about fourteen years. 

He was religiously trained in the Baptist order. In 
June, 1829, in the general religious interest attending the 
labors of Scott, he confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus, 
and was baptized by Bro. Bentley. He never went 
through the ceremony of a formal reception into the 
church, insisting that, according to the Scriptures, when 
we are '^baptized into Christ," (Gal. iii : 27,) we are bap- 
tized into ^' one body," which is the church of Christ. 
(i Cor. xii : 13.) He was soon called to the eldership of 
the congregation, and stood in that position many years. 
Under appointment by the church, he spent much time 
for several years preaching the gospel. His great weight 
of character and clear, cogent reasonings gave a powerful 
support to the cause in its comparative infancy. 

Much as he was respected in public life, to be appre- 
ciated, one must see him at home, and mingle in the scenes 
of the generous hospitality which for many years welcomed 
the coming guests to his open doors. With equal dignity 
and grace, he received and provided for the comfort of 
everyone. He, too, was ''given to hospitality." The 
social repast, well seasoned with Attic salt, where intelli- 
gence was mingled with agreeable entertainment, made 
the home of Bosworth known and gratefully remembered 
in all that region. 

In his character there were qualities seldom united. A 
perfect hater of shams, no one was more lenient to the 
trivial blunders of humble merit. He could expose hy- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. Ill 

pocrisy with a terrible severity, but he showed to the err- 
ing and needy a gentleness and tenderness of heart as 
beautiful, as they were healing. He had some enemies in 
a popular sense, for *' he could not bear them which were 
evil; '* yet in asserting the cause of the injured, he was 
prompt and decided. He declared early and openly for 
emancipation, because **itwas right.*' These elements of 
character marked his course as a ruler in the church. 
His sternness was sometimes the more apparent, but his 
sympathetic consideration of human weaknesses was never 
far in the rear. Some feared him, all respected him, the 
most loved him. For strength of character, force of 
will, and even consistency with himself, he had few equals. 
His health failing, he journeyed to the milder climate 
of Texas and Mexico. The American Christian Missionary 
Society employed him to look after the weak churches 
while on his tour. In this work he was diligent, and 
proved a blessing. He assisted in the organization of some 
churches, and the encouragement of many. He returned 
from that mission in the fall of i860, improved in health. 
In January following, he took a severe cold, from which 
he never fully recovered. Yet he was not confined to his 
room a day. On the 4th of April he went into his garden, 
and feeling ill, he turned to come in, and fell in death 
before any one could come to him. This was in 1861. 

East Fairfield. 

A quarterly meeting v^as held in East Fairfield, 
Columbiana County, beginning February ist. Bro. 
Mitchell says : 

'' Leaving Warren, we went to our appointment in 
Fairfield, and put up with Bro. John Ferrall. We com- 
menced at candle-lighting, and continued ten days, preach- 
ing the same gospel to the people that we did at Warren. 
The immediate result was thirty-seven additions, all new 
converts, beside instructing many of the old Christian order 



112 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

in more scriptural views of the gospel, especially in regard 
to the design of baptism. At this point I parted with Bro. 
Scott, after enjoying his company twenty-five days, and 
learning many things more valuable than tens of thousands 
of silver and gold j sweeter than honey ; more delicious 
than the honey-comb. Looking back over forty-four 
years, and remembering what was the condition of things 
then, and the present state of affairs, I feel satisfied that 
the omnipotence of truth has effected it all.** 

On the Western Reserve some of the churches 
originated in reforming Baptist communities. In 
Columbiana County the "Christian" element pre- 
dominated. These people were themselves reform- 
ers, seeking, in the measure of their light, to return 
to New Testament usages ; but like most of the efforts 
to return from spiritual Babylon to Jerusalem, they 
crystallized around a few items which they capitalized 
into undue prominence. The great matters of the 
ancient gospel, and ancient order of the churches, 
were veiled in obscurity. Earnest and zealous, their 
public speakers often possessing great exhortatory 
power, they made many converts. They had a large 
congregation at Fairfield, and a good meeting-house. 
The amiable Joseph Gaston was their preacher. 
Through him, Bro. Scott obtained a favorable intro- 
duction among them. These visited the people to- 
gether, and talked freely on the principles of the gos- 
pel. Scott was gifted with conversational powers of 
great skill and scope, and being full of his subject, he 
won at every onset. A meeting was called which 
was attended by the whole church. Scott turned his 
subject to his master key of Peter, pentecost and 
pardon. The theme was new, and in his hands the 



IN THE WESTERN^ RESERVE. II3 

scriptural scheme of the gospel was so plain and con- 
vincing, scarcely a doubt was left in the great audience. 
At the close of his sermon, the proposition was made 
to take the sense of the church upon the overture 
now submitted, to assume the position of a gospel 
church, in accordance with the scriptural teaching 
they had just heard. There was almost a unanimous 
rising up. Only five or six refused. It was a strong 
church of strong men. 

Not long after this. Elder James Hughes, of Ken- 
tucky, came and preached among them. Learning 
the clearer way of the gospel, he adopted it, saying 
he always thought the Scriptures connected more 
blessing with baptism than they had discovered. He 
continued to thus preach, and to practice as long as 
he lived. 

According to the order of the "Christian" breth- 
ren, the preachers were the elders. They had dea- 
cons to perform the duties common to that class of 
officers. Bringing the church to the New Testament 
models, they now appointed WilHam Cunningham 
and John Ferrall, who had been deacons, to the office 
of bishop, or overseer, and Dr. Amasa Fisher, and 

, deacons. Joseph Gaston continued to be; 

their minister. 

About this time a colony of Methodists came into. 
Fairfield, from Virginia. They had their preacher^ 
Benjamin Patterson, and were prepared to attend tG 
the matters of religion in their own way, and keep 
guarded against novelties and heresies. It was not 
long before Bro. Benjamin Saunders came, and pro- 
claimed the gospel so clearly and powerfully, he cap-- 
tured their preacher, and left his flock so shaken, that 
10 



114 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

they became an easy and willing prey. Every one, 
without an exception, embraced the teachings of the 
apostolic gospel, and came into the church. Patter- 
son was baptized by Elder John Ferrall. 

The subject of *' weekly communion,** was some 
time under discussion. It was new ; and many 
thought it too great an innovation on established 
usages. Some argued that so great frequency would 
detract from its solemnity. On the other hand, it was 
steadily and convincingly plead that as the holy apos- 
tles, who had been charged by the Lord Jesus with 
establishing the customs and laws of his kingdom, 
had ordained that order in the beginning, it was bind- 
ing still, and that it could not degenerate in solemnity 
when approached with the true and proper spirit. It 
was finally arranged, at Bro. Ferrall's suggestion, 
that the subject should be a matter of forbearance ; 
those who regarded it a duty to show forth the Lord's 
death every Lord's day, to be permitted to do so; 
granting the unmolested right to others to come to 
the table of the Lord at longer intervals, as they had 
been accustomed to. To this all acceded ; and all was 
harmony. Very soon all the members were a unit in 
this practice. Would that all differences in religious 
matters could be settled as amicably and permanently. 

The church of East Fairfield has a noble record, 
and has been a light to the surrounding country. It 
has been generous in sustaining the "yearly meet- 
ings," and all others, for the proclamation of the 
Word of Life. Our men of name have all preached 
among them from time time, and assisted the faith- 
ful brethren in Fairfield to maintain the "unity of 
the spirit in the bond of peace.*' 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. II5 

Bro. J. G. Mitchell spent a long life in the gospel. 
He began when a youth, and traveled extensively in 
most of the north-western States. He was equally 
distinguished for zeal and success. He was small in 
stature, quick in action and speech, abundant in ap- 
propriate anecdotes, and never addressed an inatten- 
tive audience. With a kind heart, generous and high 
minded, few men had more friends. He settled in 
Danvers, McLean County, 111., where his most useful 
life was terminated by a painful disease, which he 
bore with great patience, July 26th, 1873, in the 
68th year of his age. 



Il6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER V. 

Churches planted in Salem, Canfield, and Austintown — ^John 
Henry — Origin of the church in Braceville — Sketch of Marcus 
Bosworth — Biography of Jacob Osborne. 

BRO. SCOTT began his great work in Salem, Co- 
lumbiana County, in April, 1828, going from his 
stirring meetings in Austintown and adjacent regions. 
Prejudice preceded him, raised by the misrepresenta- 
tions of Rev. Vallandigham, a Presbyterian minis- 
ter, of New Lisbon, the father of Hon. C. L. Vallan- 
digham, of later and wider notoriety. He came and 
warned the people against that ** apostate" Scott; de- 
claring that he gave out that he would forgive the 
sins of the people, with other statements equally 
false and ridiculous. A. G. Hayden, residing in the 
vicinity of Salem, fell in with Scott at the residence 
of his father, Samuel Hayden, in Youngstown. By 
him Scott sent an appointment to Salem. 

He came, and opened to a full house the watch-cry 
of the campaign, the word of the Lord and pentecost. 
It was heard with mingled delight, wonder and doubt. 
People rapidly took sides, some in favor, some against 
the new doctrines, as many regarded them. " Why 
was this not found out before } '' was the cry of many. 
"I know not," it was replied, ** except that the time 
is only just now come for these truths, so long hid 
from our eyes, to be found out.'' *' But if it is true," 
said others, *' our preachers would have seen it long 
ago ; it would not have been left for Campbell and 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 11/ 

Scott to find it out at this day/' " Yes," it was 
answered/' just so objected all the Catholic clergy to 
Luther and the old reformers." 

The news spread, and converts were multiplied. 
In ten days he baptized forty souls. The leading 
Baptists were delighted. Polly Strawn, David Gas- 
kill, and others, came forward with all their influence 
in favor of the work. Singing and prayer till mid- 
night was heard in many dwellings. The converts 
were received to baptism on the confession of their 
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, without the usual rou- 
tine of telling an " experience," and a vote of the 
church. 

On a set day, Scott called them all forward to be 
received as members of the church. After many ex- 
hortations, the question was propounded to the church 
for the reception of the converts into fellowship. It 
was unanimously responded to in the affirmative ; 
and this great effort, crowned with such blissful re- 
sults, was about to be sealed up in peace and com- 
plete harmony. No creed had been presented for 
the converts to subscribe. They were baptized as 
converts to Christ ; and in this solemn ordinance they 
had, as the apostles expressed it, **put on Christ;" 
to walk in him in all the experiences and duties of a 
new life. None had demurred, and Scott, feeling 
that Christianity had now completely triumphed over 
party, exclaimed, ** Who will now say there is a Bap- 
tist Church in Salem ? " 

This gave the alarm. Some of the old leaders 
thought he was building up the Baptist Church, while 
in reality he was employed in a much broader and 
diviner work, that of bringing sinners unto Christ 



ri8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Jesus, regardless of party names, lines, or limits. 
The dear name and cherished forms could not be re- 
linquished. Then followed a reaction — a revolution. 
Then came conclaves, conferences, private and pro- 
tracted. Mrs. Strawn, a lady of remarkable ability, 
and a tactician of much shrewdness, was especially 
active in this crisis. Some Presbyterians sympa- 
thized and aided to push the car backward. The old 
regime was restored, and the order was issued that 
all the new members must appear on church-meeting- 
day, relate a " Christian experience,'* and come in by 
the regular way, as members of the regular Baptist 
Church. 

This was all strange and unexpected. The lambs 
wanted a sheltering fold. Synods and investigation 
committees were to them unfamiliar and repulsive. 
They were disheartened. They scattered ; some went 
into other churches, some gave up in sorrow, a few 
submitted to the orders in counsel, and entered by 
that door into that fold. 

Out of this action arose the " Phillips Church," 
three miles south of Salem. Robert P. Phillips, a man 
of strong will, and an influential citizen, learned the 
gospel of Scott, and, with his family, was among the 
converts. The difference between the gospel and all 
party unions was clear as a sunbeam to him ; and 
with an open protest against putting a yoke on the 
disciples, he and others drew off and stood aloof. 
But they were far from giving up their faith and hope. 
He opened his own house where the lambs found 
shelter. Preachers came : Geo. W. Lucy, J. E. Gas- 
ton, J. H. Jones, Whitacre, and many others ; and 
soon a light sprang up which has continued to this 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 19 

day. Hayden could sing, and soon he was called to 
be a leader. They organized as a church in the sum- 
mer of 1829. The unstinted hospitality of Phillips 
and other brethren, for many years made a home for 
the itinerant proclaimers of the word of life ; and 
aided by Hubbard, Allerton, Finch, Hartzel, and 
Schaeffer, from Deerfield ; by Hayden, Henry, Bos- 
worth, and Applegate, and not a little by George Pow, 
of Green, this united and affectionate band of Chris- 
tians became a strong and ruling church. It would 
take a page to record all who have reaped in this 
field, and who carry the kindnesses of this church in 
happy memory. In later years, H. Reeves and S. 
B. Teagarden have labored there with success. With 
Bro. White as associate overseer, and such men as 
Abram Shinn as deacons, this church has won a repu- 
tation for "durable riches and righteousness." 

** Every wise woman buildeth her house." says Sol- 
omon. This church has had a number of " wise wom- 
en," to whom is due no small share of the credit of 
building up the Lord's house. To their prudence, 
piety, sound judgment, and perseverance, much more 
is owing than will be known till the day of judgment. 

After a few years the effort was renewed in Salem, 
and a church established. Bro. Geo. Pow rendered 
effective service in planting it, and Alexander Pow 
also, who is a pillar in the congregation. The breth- 
ren, with enlightened liberality, have erected a large, 
substantial and commodious house. The congrega- 
tion, under the care of Bro. Spindler, ranks among 
the most permanent of the churches. 

Bro. Geo. Pow, of Green, was long a leader and a 
stay of the churches in Columbiana County. He 



I2o EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

was a good scholar, and endowed with a breadth of 
good sense and candor, which made him superior in 
counsel. Critically read in literature, and especially 
in the Holy Scriptures, his speech was remarkable 
for correctness and richness of instruction. His re- 
cent death has left a void which a generation will not 
repair. The church in Green was much indebted to 
his wisdom for the strength and prosperity to which 
it attained. 

The Church in Canfield. 

This church was formed January I2th, 1822, in 
David Hay's dwelling-house. Thomas Miller was 
the officiating minister. Deacon Samuel Hayden, 
William Hayden, and John Lane, from the church 
of Youngstown, and Elijah Canfield, Palmyra, were 
the counsel. The church was moderatively Calvin- 
istic ; progressive in spirit. The principal members 
were David Hays, William Dean, with their families, 
H. Edsell, Turner, Wood, and Myron Sackett. 

In June, 1829, the following entry is made in the 
church record : 

''The Baptist Church, constituted in 1822, so continued 
till 1829. During this time, the brethren in attending to 
the Word of God in search of truth, began to doubt the 
propriety of having creeds, or articles of faith, as bonds 
of church fellowship. The result was, throwing them 
away as useless, believing the Scriptures sufficient to make 
us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. We 
adopt them as our rule of faith and practice.'' 

In the winter of 1827-8, Bro. Scott opened, at 
Simmons Sackett's, the plea of the ancient gospel. 
The second chapter of Acts, the opening of the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 121 

kingdom, was his subject. He simplified, and en- 
forced it so pointedly that all saw, and most, on ex- 
amination, accepted the truth. He showed that all' 
parties have the elements of the gospel, but differently 
arranged ; and that as the same letters would spell 
different words, according to the arrangement of 
them, so these gospel themes, set forth in one order, 
formed one theory on which one sect was built ; in 
another order arose another sect. He contended 
ably for the restoration of the true, original, apostolic 
order of them, which would restore to the church 
the ancient gospel as preached by the apostles. 

The interest became an excitement. All tongues 
were set loose in investigation, in defense, or in op- 
position ; which foreshadowed good results. Nothing 
so disastrous to the sailor as a dead calm. Let the 
vessel heave under a tempest, rather. The Bibles 
were looked up, the dust brushed off, and the people 
began to read. *' I do n't believe the preacher read 
that Scripture right." '' My Bible does not read that 
way," says another. The book is opened, and lo ! 
there stand the very words ! In the first gospel ser- 
mon, too — the model sermon — as what "began at 
Jerusalem" was to be " preached to the ends of the 
earth." The air was thick with rumors of a *'new 
religion," a *'new Bible," and all sorts of injurious, and 
even slanderous imputations — so new had become 
the things which are as old as the days of the apos- 
tles. 

Scott's sermons gave a mighty impulse to the work. 

Many converts were gained for Christ. Some of the 

old members received them with caution, but the 

church made them welcome, and, ere long, by the 

II 



122 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

prudent exercise of Christian forbearance, they were, 
like ''kindred drops," all ''mingled into one." 

Mr. Scott was often eccentric ; but he possessed 
the talent to sustain himself and turn his eccentricity 
to good account. On one occasion, when the whole 
country around was almost tremulous with the excited 
state of feeling, he managed to slip into the assem- 
bly unobserved, and seating himself far back with his 
cloak well about his face, and his broad-brimmed hat 
well drawn down, he sat listening to the remarks of 
the assembling multitude. The reader must remem- 
ber, as an excuse for the darkness of the room, that 
the candle was the "light of other days." The illu- 
minating oil still lay concealed in God's great cellar. 
One man says, in a low tone : " What do you think 
of Scott } " without waiting a reply, " I never heard 
such a preacher ; he is hard on the sects, but he has 
the Bible on his tongue's end." Another: " I never 
read such things in the Bible as he is telling us." His 
quick ear was catching these " droppings " of the peo- 
ple. The room became packed. " Do you think the 
preacher is coming ? " inquired one. " I wonder 
if he will not disappoint us to-night .^" 

Then rising to full position, still sitting on his seat, 
laying back his cloak and removing his hat, Scott 
cried out in his magnificent voice, " And what went 
ye out into the wilderness to see } A reed shaken 
with the wind ? But what went ye out to see ? A 
man clothed in soft raiment } But what went ye out 
to see ? A prophet ? yea, I say unto you, and more 
than a prophet." Matt. xi. Then with a sweep, and 
brilliancy, and point that astonished and instructed 
all, he discoursed on the ministry of John the Bap- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 123 

tist ; the preparation of the gospel ; the introduction 
of Jesus by him to the Jewish nation ; and carried 
his audience up to the crucifixion, the resurrection 
and coronation of the Lord of glory, and the descent 
on pentecost of the Holy Spirit, with the grand events 
of that *' notable day of the Lord." It is needless to 
pause and describe the wonderful effect of this sud- 
den outburst and powerful rehearsal of the gospel 
upon his astonished auditors. 

There were members here of sound judgment, 
conservative, but progressive and thoroughly settled 
in the conviction that the Holy Scriptures were a 
perfect as well as inspired guide. It is not surpris- 
ing that with such a people the preaching of Scott 
was held under cautious examination. All opposi- 
tion subsided, however, when they saw the new con- 
verts *' full of joy and the Holy Spirit," and when 
they saw the Scripture language warranted the prac- 
tice introduced by the preacher. Such men as the 
Deans — father and sons — David Hays, and Myron 
Sacket were just the men for a new movement ; slow 
to start, but firm as a rock when convinced. These, 
with the devoted Ezra Leonard, and a number of 
women, such as those of whom Paul makes honor- 
able mention, formed a society as firm and intelligent 
as any on the Reserve. 

It is to be regretted that history, dealing chiefly 
with the outward, sensible phenomena of a movement, 
fails too frequently in presenting the subjective part — 
the mental and emotional struggles — in which the 
visible and tangible facts originate. These heart con 
flicts and battles of conscience, are often in the 
highest degree instructive. Fortunately we are able 



124 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

to give something of this inner history of one of 
these original members of the church in Canfield : 

Myron Sacket descended from Presbyterian ancestry, in 
Warren, Ct. He was early in Ohio. He helped to build 
the first meeting-house in the center of Canfield, which 
was erected by the people of his ancestral faith, and in 
which he piously hoped to be a life worshiper. In 1817, 
he was married to Miss Orpha Dean, of Baptist principles, 
and equally conscientious. The discrepancy in their 
views was a trouble to them ; and they sought to recon- 
cile the disagreement, each honestly supposing the other 
would yield to increased light. He brought pamphlets 
and sermons, which she read and considered ; she resorted 
to the word of the Lord in its plain teaching on the sub- 
ject of baptism, and the subjects strictly entitled to it. 
Sacket was disinclined to discussion, a man of quiet and 
peaceable, though of very firm habits of mind. He be- 
came so aroused to the investigation that he opened his 
Bible anew. He read the New Testament twice through 
to find infant baptism, noting carefully every thing bear- 
ing on the subject. Many times he turned back and re- 
read, fearing he might have passed by it. Disappointed 
and grieved, yet loving the truth rather than the accepted 
convictions of early training, he resolved now to read it 
for a far different purpose — which was to learn what are 
the teachings of the Word of God on the subject. The 
result was a clear and satisfied conviction that the New 
Testament contains no trace or evidence of authority for 
that practice. The struggle was hard. The very firmness 
of the man, which made him a pillar for long years after- 
ward, made the transition difficult. But the conclusion, 
finally reached, was never reversed nor regretted. Both 
himself and wife, now one in faith as well as in matrimo- 
nial union, put on Christ in his own holy baptism, on the 
same day. This was in 1819. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 125 

After Bro. Sacket had accepted Baptist principles, an 
uncle from Connecticut asked him how he could degen- 
erate from the principles of his parental belief to unite 
with the Baptists, a people of much lower grade of learn- 
ing and position ? His answer was significant: ^' I read 
and carefully studied the Word of God for light, and find- 
ing no support for those principles, I was compelled to 
give them up/* 

Few men ever rendered more efficient and substantial 
support to the cause of the primitive gospel. His house 
was long a home for the people of God. The terms, 
'^meekness and fear,'* applied justly to him. He was 
slow to accept the light which Scott brought, but step by 
step he came with the wealth of a ripe Christian experi- 
ence and sound judgment ; and was ever afterward unfal- 
tering in its support. 

This church continued to meet in the north-west 
part of the township, where they built a comfortable 
meeting-house. At this period, William Hayden 
was a member of it, though his residence was in 
Austintown. In the month of May, 1828, the con- 
gregation, after full proof of his abilities in public 
speaking, and recognizing his zeal and knowledge of 
the Scriptures, gave him their sanction and ap- 
proval as a minister of the gospel. Thus licensed 
and commended to other churches, he gave himself 
more diligently to the work. The eminence which 
he subsequently attained, justified this action, and 
vindicated their discernment of his improvable gifts. 

In the same vicinity there was forming a com- 
munity known as " Bible Christians." Wm. Schooley, 
living in Salem, was their principal preacher. These 
two churches — the "Christians" and the Disciples — 
became better acquainted, and Bro. Schooley him- 



126 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

self having united with the Disciples in Salem, these 
communities united as one brotherhood in Christ ; 
thus giving a practical illustration of the union and 
co-operation of Christians on the original foundation. 
The Flicks, the Shattoes and all, about twenty, were 
enrolled with the Disciples, as one people in Christ. 
This event took place January 2^, 1830. 

This church was never very numerous, about 
seventy being the highest number. But they kept 
up a respectable visibility many years. Their record 
for the great yearly meetings of the Disciples of the 
county, is highly honorable. Like many others, she 
has brought multitudes of converts to the fold of 
Christ, and has sent out her sons and daughters to 
carry on the good work in other lands. The church 
in Center, Rock County, Wisconsin, is a planting 
from Canfield. The Parmelys, the Deans, Orsemus 
and his family, while weakening this by their removal, 
greatly strengthened that church. 

In the fall of 1827, some time after his appoint- 
ment as the evangelist, this church moved Bro. 
Scott's family into their midst, and contributed lib- 
erally to their support. Scott bought, and built a 
house, intending this as a permanent residence. 
But his changing field of labor altered his plans. 
The home talent of the church has always been her 
chief reliance for edification. But for many years 
she had the labors occasionally, and sometimes stat- 
edly, of the preachers of the county. 

As several families resided at and near the center 
of the township, the church gave consent for them 
to form a separate congregation. Accordingly, in the 
spring of 1847, ^.bout twervty associated themselves 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. l2^ 

together in that relation. They were organized by 
Bro. J. W. Lanphear. J. M. Caldwell and Andrew 
Flick were elders ; Walter Clark and John Flick, 
deacons. They were aided by the labors of Breth- 
ren Pow, Applegate, Belton, Phillips, John Errett, 
Dr. Hillock, White, F. M. Green, Van Horn, and 
Edwin Rogers. 

The church in the north-west part of the town- 
ship, reduced by removals — the old members having 
all gone over the river into the promised land — after 
struggling in feebleness for awhile resolved to unite 
with the body at the center. This union was effected 
October 6, 1867. 

The Church in Austintown 

was constituted June 16, 1828. The remains of 
the Baptist church, once flourishing, lay in a waste 
and decaying condition over portions of Youngstown 
and Austintown. In the winter of 1816, a revival 
occurred under the labors of Elder Joshua Wood- 
worth, a humble and devoted minister. About forty 
were converted ; among the converts v/ere William 
Hayden, then a youth, and others, still younger, of 
the same family. The counselors of the church 
thought it necessary to have the young converts in- 
structed in the '* doctrines " of the gospel, " election,'' 
and kindred themes. So the faithful minister, loved 
as a father, was dismissed, and Wm. West was called. 
He was more learned, but straight, cold, Calvinistic. 
Under his reign the kingdom was dissolved. Zeal 
languished under doctrinal sermons. Discipline 
went by rule rather than by love. Covenant meet- 
ings became courts. Appeals were taken, and coun- 



128 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

sels called. The lambs fled from the fold ; conver- 
sions ceased ; the light grew dim, and the church 
had but a name to live. Elder West was still in 
the community when Bro. Scott opened the gospel 
plea there, and opposed his work. 

The following sketch of affairs there is from the 
pen of Walter Scott : 

^' When called about two years ago, I found the church 
in a state of entire prostration. For four years they had 
not eaten the Lord's Supper ; all was delinquency — a perfect 
web of wickedness, the like of which I never had seen. It 
was an involved labyrinth of personal and family quarrels. 
For about three weeks I strove to disentangle the sincere- 
hearted, but in vain. Strife is like the lettings out of 
water — what is spilt is lost. When the threads and fila- 
ments of a quarrel have forced themselves like waves over 
the whole body ecclesiastic, that body should be dissolved. 
We accordingly looked upon this institution to be entirely 
lost, and began to preach the ancient gospel — the word 
of the Lord as a hammer and a fire. All hearts were im- 
mediately broken or burnt ; and of that sinful people 
there have been immersed nearly one hundred and fifty 
individuals. These have become a church, and are walking 
in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blame- 
less, as I hope. The Scriptures are their sole authority, 
and they have three bishops, bold in the Lord Jesus, and 
five deacons.'' 

The religious awakening which restored the church, 
or rather built it anew on apostolic foundations, be- 
gan in Austintown, in February, 1828, soon after the 
great meeting in Warren. A young man by the 
name of Asa Jones became serious, and, expressing 
a wish to become a Christian, Bro. Bentley was sent 
for. He preached in the school-house where William 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 29 

Hayden was teaching. When the sermon closed, an 
opportunity being offered, the young man arose, de- 
clared his purposes, expressed much joy in believing, 
and appealed to his friends to follow him to Jesus. 
Next day^ Bro. Bentley preached and baptized this 
person and eight others. John Henry and his wife 
were of the number. 

Bentley returned home, but a work had com- 
menced which was soon to become wide and gen- 
eral. The converts were clear in their conversion, 
and active. William Hayden was greatly delighted by 
the conversion of his particular associate and neigh- 
bor, John Henry, a man of great weight in the com- 
munity, and possessed of abilities, which Hayden 
clearly foresaw would be likely to turn to much use- 
fulness. 

About three weeks after this, Scott sent an ap- 
pointment to preach in the "Jones' school-house." 
He came Wednesday the 19th of March. A full 
house was in waiting. He hurried his audience to 
the line of decision, classing all the world in two 
parties — Christ's and the devil's. He laid the foun- 
dations of Christ's kingdom in the grand affair of 
his death, burial, resurrection, ascension, coronation, 
and the inauguration of his reign on earth on the day 
of Pentecost. Among the startling utterances of 
that sermon, he said : " We can have a revival of re- 
ligion whenever we want it ! Strange ! strangely 
marvelous ! Differing wide as the heavens from all 
we had ever heard ! Can we obtain this glorious 
prize — regeneration, pardon, and peace } " Thoughts 
hurried to and fro, as Scott talked on and showed 
that Christ's work was finished, his sacrifice com- 



130 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

plete, the " oxen and fallings were killed," the table 
was spread, *^ all things are now ready," and had been 
ready for eighteen hundred years — nothing now but 
for sinners to hear, and come, and find a welcome to 
salvation by the Master of the feast. 

This was gospel. " Why have I been waiting so 
long } why has no one ever told me that before t " 
Thus reasoning and feeling, five came to the decision 
and yielded. That night the crowd was increased ; 
and next day, March 20th, twelve of us were by his 
hands lifted into the kingdom. 

The whole country was in commotion. Converts 
came at almost every meeting. But the excitement 
was to become higher, and to penetrate a new class 
of society, as I proceed to relate. 

Aylett Raines and the Restorationists. 

While Mr. Raines was on his tour preaching, and 
previous to his baptism by Bro. Williams, he came to 
Austintown. It was in April. He already had a 
high reputation, especially among the Restorationists, 
who were numerous. News circulated that he was 
coming to preach his renunciation of Universalism. 
A crowd assembled and filled the house. He opened 
on the mission of the apostles as the embassadors 
of Jesus Christ, the authorized expounders of his 
will. Their preaching was the commission carried 
out according to Christ's will and intention ; as they 
were not only commissioned by him, but miraculously 
assisted by the Holy Spirit, so that their preaching, 
as reported in the book of Acts, is the full, complete, 
authoritative guide in preaching the gospel, and re- 
ceiving sinners to the church ; that as they, in the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I3I 

opening of their mission on pentecost, and always 
afterward throughout the world, preached to the be- 
lievers that they should repent and be baptized, in 
the name of Christ, for the remission of sins ; this 
is our model to the end of time, and, consequently, 
no preaching which differs from this model has any 
authority in the Word of God. He concluded his 
long and argumentative discourse in these words : 

" My friends, I find myself in a strait ; I am shut up 
in a dilemma ; and I can see no way out, with the Word 
of God in my hand, but through the obedience of faith 
in baptism. If any of you can see any other, I im- 
plore you in the name of my Master to show it to me." 

The sensation, which was perceptible in the be- 
ginning of the sermon, grew in intensity as he pro- 
ceeded, till it heightened to a tumult. As soon as the, 
meeting closed, persons who had come in big wag- 
ons, and had brought their chairs into the house for 
seats, jerked up their chairs, started over the benches, 
and hurried to their homes. The medicine was work- 
ing. The patients were biHous. The remedy was 
heroic. Raines was calm. The Disciples were happy. 
The Universalists, who composed the larger part of 
the assembly, were disappointed, grieved and cha- 
grined. Their champion had left them and gone over 
to this new and specious heresy. We can not have 
it thus ; we will not stop and reason calmly with him 
and show him his error, as he earnestly besought us. 
*'To your tents, O Israel!" The very horses felt a 
touch of the excitement of their drivers ! 

That discourse worked miracles ; that is, if conver- 
sion, as we had been taught, was in every case a 
miracle. It had driven nails in sure places, " as nails 



132 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

fastened by the master of assemblies." Eccl. xii: 11. 
William Hayden preached in the afternoon the same 
day, and baptized several converts. 

The church of Austintown was one of the first in 
•north-eastern Ohio, built on "the foundation of the 
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the 
chief corner.'* The day appointed for collecting the 
disciples as a church of Christ was fair, and a large 
assembly convened. Scott, Bentley, and Raines were 
present. After a discourse in the house, we were 
called out upon the green in front of it. Here all 
the disciples, one hundred and ten in number, were 
disposed in a large circle. A space was open on one 
side of about twelve feet, in which stood the preach- 
ers. Thus, each member, with his right hand clasp- 
ing the left of the one next him, so stood, that he 
could see airthe rest, and also the brethren to whom 
w^e owed so much under Christ, and who were, in the 
most solemn manner, about to form and declare us 
an organized church. Each of the preachers, in turn, 
addressed us in the most earnest exhortation, in the 
things pertaining to the duties of this new relation, 
while all stood uncovered under the open canopy of 
heaven. Then followed a prayer by Bro. Scott, implor« 
ring blessings unbounded and unending from the 
divine Head upon every member of his mystic body. 
Then the hymn : 

'< Lo ! he comes, with clouds descending, 
Once for favored signers slain," 

led by Hayden and Henry, was sung with raptures 
of joy. So began the church of Austintown. It was 
placed under the care of William Hayden. Bro. 
Henry was soon called to his side ; and not long 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 33 

after, Alexander Spears was chosen also to the elder- 
ship. 

Biography of John Henry. 

To few men has it been granted to gain such a celebrity 
in so short a time as was won by this gifted man. His 
public ministry was only a little over thirteen years, in 
which time his personal labors extended from central Ohio 
to central Pennsylvania, and into Virginia ; and his fame 
spanned the continent. In all that constitutes brilliancy, 
dash and boldness, he was a very hero. He was born in 
Chartiers township, Washington County, Pa., October i, 
1797. It is declared of him that he sung tunes when not 
a year old, but he did not talk till he was four. He came 
with his father, Francis Henry, to Poland, Ohio, April, 
1803. He married Miss Jane Kyle, January 10, 1822, and 
settled on new lands in Austintown the next spring. 

He was a leader in every thing he undertook. In the 
days of military training, he was music-major of regiments. 
A few blasts of his bugle would start up every soldier, and 
the exact time of his movement infused martial valor into 
all around. When he turned to the Lord he quite aban- 
doned this practice, and turned his musical talents, which 
were of a high order and well trained, to gather and lead 
the bannered hosts of the Lord. As a farmer he did more 
work than any other, save one man. He excepted Wil- 
liam Hayden. He played on nine kinds of instruments; 
his favorites were the violin and the clarionet. 

He was trained under the strictest rules of Presbyteri- 
anism. As the ^^ Christian Baptist" appeared, William 
Hayden passed the numbers over to the hands of his friend 
Henry, whose penetrating mind grasped the great principles 
it unfolded. He was ripened for the sickle of truth, so that 
when Bentley came, he and his faithful wife were among the 
converts — the first fruits of a large ingathering. The writer 
has the most vivid recollection of the scene, as the excellent 



134 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Bentley, tall and venerable, led this man of commanding 
form, who stood six feet two inches, then in his thirty-first 
year, and laid him beneath the waters of baptism after 
the example of the Lord. 

He gave himself at once to the diligent study of the 
Bible. He read little else, he studied nothing else ; except, 
perhaps, church history. His taste was for history, and 
his sermons were largely historic recitals of the life and 
work of Christ, and the preaching of the apostles, with 
historic illustration from the Old Testament, delivered in 
so fresh, forcible, and fluent a style, that as a speaker, few 
equaled him in instructive and entertaining discourse. But 
the power of his sermons was much in the authority with 
which they were spoken. Without any of the studied arts 
of oratory, he often moved on great assemblies with a 
mastery that chained attention for two hours. Without 
rhetoric, his speech abounded in fine tropes, especially in 
metaphors ; and not unfrequently he arose to a pomp of 
diction equaled only by the finest orators. 

In person he was tall, rather spare, with sandy com- 
plexion and sharp features, quick in movement, as in the 
operations of his mind, and when he walked he planted 
his feet with a tread which showed the firmness of the man. 
Cheerful, at times almost to levity, very social, kind hearted, 
and with wit like a polished rapier, whatever **his hand 
found to do he did with his might.'' He was in Smith- 
field, Jefferson County, when he was informed by a special 
messenger, March 12th, of the supposed fatal sickness of 
his wife. He would have started after the night meeting 
for home, but friends interfering, he rested a time. Before 
day dawned he was in his saddle, and that night, the 13th, 
he was at home ; a distance of seventy miles. The Yellow 
Creek was so high it nearly swam his horse. He watched 
his wife most assiduously, and saw her recovery ; then fell 
a victim to the same disease, typhoid fever, after sixteen 
days' sickness, May i,. 1844. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 35 

His work is interwoven with the groundwork of this 
cause through the whole Western Reserve. Though un- 
cultured, he was not rude. He was high-minded and hon- 
orable, and immensely popular with the people. In the 
early day he and Mr. Campbell met at the Plains-meeting- 
house, near Minerva. Many had never seen either of 
them. Henry preached in the morning, and the people 
thought it was Campbell. After an interval Mr. Camp- 
bell preached, and many of the hearers said: ''We wish 
that man would sit down, and let Campbell get up,/^r he 
knows how to preach ! ^ * 

There was lamentation in all the churches when he died. 
The feeling is well remembered and distinctly defined. 
It was less a murmuring, than a deep, sad, silent grief. 
Bro. Campbell wrote of him at the time: ''Bro. John 
Henry, as a preacher of a particular order of preachers, 
had no equal — no superior. He was not only mighty in 
the Scriptures as a preacher and teacher, but was also emi- 
nently exemplary in the social virtues of Christianity. His 
praise is in all the churches in the Western Reserve and 
circumjacent country. ' * 

He was bold, brave, fearless^ cheerful and animated ; the 
life of society, humble, generous, and of unfeigned faith; 
of great power, of tremendous force, and mighty and elo- 
quent in the Scriptures ; he ' ' hewed Agag in pieces, and 
slew kings in the day of his wrath." All prized and hon- 
ored him, and the remembrance of him stirs the fainting 
purpose to unbounded courage. Hundreds yet remember 
him, as with more prowess than the Knights of St. John, 
he would return from a successful charge, victor over legions 
of the king's enemies; and the blasts of his triumph gave 
courage to all the faint-hearted. Though not always dis- 
creet, his bravery was of the first quality. He never lifted 
his spear but in victory. His enemies gathered near to 
behold the agile dexterity and massive power with which 
he felled to the ground the foes of God. 



136 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

His memory was as capacious as the Mediterranean. 
Eminently was he, as the orator has it, the ^' man of one 
book.*' The Bible w^as his store-house, his treasury, his 
exhaustless fountain. He read it morning, at noon and 
night, and all he ever read he remembered. He could re- 
peat it by chapters and by books. It was his book of his- 
tory, of archaeology, of travels, of biography, of incident, 
event and anecdote, of moral power and religious persua- 
sion. Nothing in society for which he found not a coun- 
terpoint in that Daguerrean gallery of all truth, all duty, 
all motive. 

Brief and brilliant his career. The most loved 
him — all beheld him with admiration. All love to cherish 
and honor his memory, while within a narrower circle, sa- 
cred and still as where mourners move, he is the idol of 
an affection next akin to the feeling that worships. 

Forty-seven years the church in Austintov^n has 
stood against all the forces arrayed against it. It 
has never ceased to meet, except by voluntary ad- 
journment, to attend the yearly meetings. Under 
the wise and careful eldership of Bro. Ira McCollum, 
one of its charter members, and Bro. Joshua Kyle, 
who for many years have held the helm, she has kept 
her course steady and constant toward the harbor. 

Newton Falls. 

The church in Braceville and Newton Falls was 
formed on Baptist principles, early in the year 1820. 
The origin of it, and the history of Marcus Bosworth, 
can not be dissociated. 

Bosworth was born in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 
July II, 1794. He married Miss Elizabeth Ward, Sep- 
tember 9, 1814, and came to Braceville, June, 1816. In 
the year 1818, a revival occurred among the Presbyter- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 37 

ians, and Bosworth and his wife were among the converts. 
Though trained up in the Baptist order, they were willing 
to worship with the Presbyterians, and they searched dil- 
igently the word of God for sprinkling as baptism; but 
they found it not. In the fall of 1819, Thomas Miller, 
a Baptist minister, preached at Esq. Johnson's house. By 
him, Bosworth and his wife were baptized. ^^The hap- 
piest day of our lives," said the venerable sister Bos- 
worth, who, at the age of seventy-one, recited these scenes. 
Ne^t year, under the labors of Mr. Miller, was formed the 
Baptist church in Braceville, which called Bro. Bosworth 
to act as deacon. Active and warm-hearted, he improved 
so rapidly in speaking that the church encouraged his as- 
pirations to higher usefulness. He yielded to this decision, 
and as much as the care of his farm would permit, he gave 
himself to the ministry of the word. 

Bosworth attended the ministers* meeting in Warren, 
October, 182 1, and there made the acquaintance of Mr. 
Campbell, and heard much from him on a return to orig- 
inal Christianity, in its form, teaching, and models, as set 
forth in the New Testament. His receptive mind heard 
attentively and with little prejudice. Yet he prudently 
held these views subject to further consideration. The re- 
moval to Braceville, in 1825, of Jacob Osborne, gave a 
fresh impulse to the scriptural investigations already ad- 
vancing. Meanwhile Bosworth' s improvement of his gifts 
in public discourse continuing to be satisfactory, he was 
ordained as a preacher of the gospel in October, 1827. 
Adamson Bentley and Sidney Rigdon were called by tha 
church as the council on the occasion. 

Bro. Bosworth gave himself ardently to the work of 
preaching. His heart was all aglow with the love of souls^ 
and many w^ere turned to the Lord by him. He traveled 
much in other counties and other States ; yet he worked 
on his farm when at home, to support his family. Preach- 
ers received little in those days for their labors. Some^ 
12 



138 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCJPLES 

times, in a long trip, he got less than the cost of shoeing 
his horse. It was the fault of the times that Bosworth, 
Alton, Applegate, Collins, and quite all the early preach- 
ers were suffered to go to the warfare at their own charges. 
A good wife at home, and a good Father in heaven, kept 
Bosworth in his saddle. Yet he was much at home, to 
lead his sons in the needful industries of the farm. For 
many years coming guests enjoyed the bountiful hospitali- 
ties of his home. 

He was constant in prayer. He maintained worship 
daily in his family. His wife frequently heard him in 
prayer when he thought himself secluded. He often 
prayed in his house after the family had retired. 

He was abundant in labors. He saved not himself, that 
he might serve the Lord and bless his family. No man 
need be more tender or amiable in his home. He rode 
sometimes from New Lisbon home, a distance of about 
forty miles, after meeting, reaching home past midnight. 
He was very feeble a year or more before his decease. In 
the fall of 1846 a cough settled on his lungs, which never 
left him. June 10, 1847, i^ the calmest repose in Jesus, 
he gave his spirit to his God. He was a most agreeable, 
companionable man, easy and fluent in conversation, 
mirthful at times, but never trifling. His preaching was 
more exhortational than argumentative. Frequently his 
whole audience were in tears, while his own came unbid- 
den, and fell as the rain on roses. He moved amidst 
new converts. His persuasive appeals to the converted 
to manifest in their conduct their new life in Christ were 
most earnest and effective. A godly man with scarce a 
foil in the bright picture of his life. 

At one time he visited a fellow-member of the 
church, and the conversation turned on the design of 
baptism as set forth in Acts ii : 38 ; that it is to put 
the believing, penitent sinner in possession of the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 39 

joys of pardon through the divine promise. The rnan 
could not be persuaded to accept the testimony of the 
Holy Scripture, and he replied: ''You may bring as 
many Scriptures to prove it as you please, I will not 
believe it." Bosworth turned away, sad to see men 
hopelessly wedded to their views and traditions, be- 
yond recovery by the power of the word of God. 

Once a Baptist minister paraded himself in front 
of him, prepared to take notes of his sermon, prob- 
ably expecting to intimidate the preacher. Bosworth 
felt a fresh inspiration, and being a clear and rapid 
speaker, he gave forth his discourse in such copious 
fullness, the minister failed to keep in sight of him. 
After the meeting, being asked to show his notes, 
he turned away, saying, " they are very general, not 
very plain ! " 

Though the church in Braceville was originally 
Baptist in name, its creed was not held rigidly. 
Love prevailed over law, and the Bible eventually 
superseded the Confession of Faith. In the discus- 
sions which resulted in the displacement of all doc- 
trinal dogmas as grounds of Christian fellowship^ 
this brotherhood bore a leading part. They formally 
organized as Christians, March 20, 1828, declaring 
the Holy Scriptures sufficient for all purposes of 
faith and practice. Their number was then twenty- 
eight. Marcus Bosworth was appointed the over- 
seer. The church in Braceville was probably the 
first on the Western Reserve, which formally adopted 
this divine platform as their only basis. It was in- 
creased by twelve conversions at that time. 

From this time till the fall of 1839, when they 
completed the meeting-house at Newton Falls, the 



140 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

church met at different places, mostly in school- 
houses. Bro. Osborne soon removed to Warren, 
but other help was not wanting, and all the pro- 
claimers gathered in souls to God in this enterpris- 
ing church. Yet Bro. M. Bosworth was their con- 
stant reliance, who, with all his travels abroad 
preaching, did far more to sustain the church than 
any other man. 

Amos Clark served as overseer along with Bro. 
Bosworth ; Joel Bradford also. Henry Harsh and Be- 
noni Johnson were early deacons. 

When the congregation established itself in their 
new house at the falls, they procured more constant 
preaching, and increased in numbers and in com- 
mand of the public ear. 

Memoir of Jacob Osborne. 

His birth dates with the birth of the nineteenth cen- 
tury. His parents lived near Trenton, New Jersey. They 
were of the Baptist order. His mother was a very pious and 
active Christian. Early in life their son Jacob was 
awakened to a sense of his sinful state, and finding hope, 
he was baptized, and almost immediately entered the min- 
istry. He was licensed to preach when only nineteen 
years of age. His pure life, reserved, winning manners, 
devotion to study, and unvarying attentions to the offices 
of religion, awakened great hopes of his future usefulness. 
In person, rather tall, very erect, comely of form and 
countenance, a voice not strong, but clear and very at- 
tractive. 

In 1 82 1, at the age of twenty-one, he entered Mr, 
Campbeirs seminary on Buffalo Creek, Virginia, along 
with Joseph Freeman, where he remained two years, 
making most diligent application in his studies. During 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I4I 

this time he employed his talents preaching in localities 
within reach of the seminary. Becoming acquainted in 
the family of the McElroys, Washington County, Pennsyl- 
vania — a family of marked character for manliness, deci- 
sion, energy, and promptitude, and for devotion to the 
principles of religious reform — Mr. Osborne was united 
in marriage to their sister, Miss Susan McElroy. He was 
principal of the academy in Wellsburg one year, and 
preached in that town and vicinity. He came to the 
Western Reserve, and settled in Hiram, in the fall of 
1824. The following year he moved to Braceville. Per- 
haps Bro. Osborne, more than any other man, prepared the 
way for the more complete ministration of the gospel 
which was soon to surprise the churches, and reform their 
modes of speech and action. He led on biblical investi- 
gations quite regardless of the dogmata of creeds and 
conventional forms of speech. He saw clearly the need 
of an extensive and thorough revision and correction of 
the terms and phrases, hackneyed and human, in which 
people were accustomed to talk of conversion and its kin- 
dred themes, and the substitution for them of the more 
appropriate and divinely authorized language of the Holy 
Spirit. In all this he was only abreast, scarcely ahead, of 
many others. At the request of Bro. Bentley, he removed 
to Warren early in 1827, ^^'^^ taught the academy for a 
year, still preaching as his health would permit. He was 
always present at the association and ministers' meetings, 
and on all occasions took a part more prominent and in- 
fluential than is usually assigned to one so young and un- 
assuming. For his talent, erudition, and zeal, he stood 
up as a Barnabas, and all heard him with delight. 

His health gave way, and in May, 1829, this young, in- 
fluential, talented, beloved. Christian gentleman, admir- 
able in all things, in many things a model, fell asleep. 
His disease was hemorrhage of the lungs. He was only 
in his twenty-ninth year. He died in Warren. 



142 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE CHURCH IN WINDHAM. 

THE church in Windham was formed Tuesday, 
May 27, 1828. On the Lord's day preceding, 
eleven members of the Braceville church requested, 
and obtained dismissal, to join in the new church. 
They came together under the wise counsels of Elder 
Thomas Campbell. 

They numbered twenty-eight. Brethren Samuel 
Robbins, Philander Robbins, and David T. Robbins, 
with their families, Dr. Thomas Wright, and Bro. 
Streator, were leading members. David Woolcott, 
and Samuel Robbins were the deacons. Reuben 
Ferguson was unanimously chosen overseer. 

The beginning and progress of the work which led 
to the establishment of the churches in Braceville 
and Windham is well told in the diary of Bro. Sam- 
uel Robbins, of Windham. I append some extracts 
from it. 

Lord's day, Sept. 16, 1827. Mr. Walter Scott preached 
in the school-house, at the center of Braceville, the first 
time ; sent by the Mahoning Baptist Association, by the 
request of the Garrettsville and Braceville Baptist churches. 
Text : ist Epistle of John, chap, iii : ist verse. A good 
discourse. 

Nov. 25, 1827. Deacon Bosworth preached at the cen- 
ter of Braceville, the first time. 

Dec. 2, 1827. Mr. Adamson Bentley and Walter Scott 
preached in the school-house on Braceville Ridge. Mr. 
Bentley preached first to a house jammed full — got tliem 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I43 

most all asleep — do not recollect his subject. Then Mr. 
Walter Scott preached, after reading the second chapter 
of Acts. Dwelt particularly on apostle Peter using the 
keys of the kingdom of heaven, delivered to him by the 
Savior, Matt, xvi; 19. Before he finished his discourse, 
a good part of the congregation were standing up gazing 
at the speaker. In his remarks respecting Peter opening 
the kingdom to the Gentiles, at the house of Cornelius, he 
said : *^ Having no more use for the keys, for aught I know, 
he threw them away." 

Dec, 23, 1827. Mr. Osborne preached on the Brace- 
ville Ridge. He was a good preacher, and a very devo- 
ted minister. 

Jan. 26, 1828. All the Baptist [church] went from 
Braceville Ridge to Warren, to hear Walter Scott preach ; 
for they heard he was turning the world upside down. 

Feb, 23, 1828. Walter Scott preached on Braceville 
Ridge. First-rate attention ; do not remember his subject. 
His main object was to convince the people that God meant 
what he said in his Wordy which caused great excitement 
among the people in Braceville and Windham ; many sit- 
ting up all night reading the Scriptures to see if they meant 
what they said ; which resulted in many immersions. It 
was a common practice for him to illustrate the jive items — 
viz : Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Remission of Sins, and 
the Holy Spirit-— by holding up his left hand and using his 
thumb for Faith, and so on ; then contrast it with the five 
points of Calvinism ; and thus he made the Scripture or- 
der of the gospel so plain, that little boys could carry it 
home. Great excitement wherever he went. 

Feb. 23, 1828. Went from the Ridge to Windham. 
In the evening he spoke in the school-room, near Dr. 
Thomas Wright's. Father Rudolph and his two sons, John 
and Zeb, were present. Spoke first-rate. Remarked he 
was like an eight-day clock — he would speak on Faith, 
Repentance, Baptism, Remission of Sins, and the gift of 



144 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DlSCIPLKb 

the Holy Spirit, and wind up ! Having a desire to hear 
him through, David T. Robbins and myself went with Mr. 
Scott to the hospitable families of the Rudolphs ; staid all 
night. 

Next day, February. 24, Lord's day, we all met at the 
house of Mr. Chapin, who was a Methodist. Mr. Scott 
spoke on faith to a room crowded full. Dr. Thomas 
Wright, myself, D. T. Robbins and others, came forward, 
which excited Mr. Chapin so he got up and opposed. In 
the evening met at Mr. Rudolph's : a good meeting. 

Feb, 25, 1828. Scott preached in the school-house in 
Garret tsville — more, came forward. Agreed to meet the 
next Wednesday in the school -house near Dr. Wright's, 
when Scott would preach and immerse the candidates. 

On Wednesday, the 27th, almost the whole town came 
out. Bro. Scott spoke feelingly. Then Dr. Thomas 
Wright, myself, David T. Robbins and others, nine in all, 
were immersed. Ice a foot thick. Great excitement 
among the people, it being the first immersion in Wind- 
ham. Very cold ; though our hearts were warm and re- 
joicing. 

Tuesday, March 4, 1828. Scott again at the same place ; 
immersed three more. 

March 5, 1828. Preached again; baptized Father 
Abraham Seymour and three others. 

March 10, 1828. Scott went to Braceville. Preached 
and baptized Philander Robbins and eight others. 

Wednesday y March 12, 1828. Bro. Marcus Bosworth 
preached and baptized three more at the same place. Bro. 
Scott went home, to Canfield. 

Saturday, March 22, 1828. Covenant meeting. It was 
the custom of the Baptists in those days to tell their ex- 
perience, to maintain good fellowship with one anotlier, 
and to be prepared to break the loaf on the Lord's day. 

Lord' s day, March 23, 1828. We all met in the school- 
house on Braceville Ridge. Bro. Marcus Bosworth preached 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 45 

and broke bread the first time after the preaching of bap- 
tism for the remission of sins. Joyful meeting. 

March 26, 1828. Bro. M. Bosworth preached — im- 
mersed one ; next day, in Braceville, two more, between 
eleven and twelve o'clock at night. 

The diary continues, noting meetings in detail, 
with additions at nearly every discourse of two or 
three to ten persons : 

'^Lord's day, April 27, 1828. Bro. Bosworth preached 
and immersed seven more, who were added to Braceville 
church. Bro. Bosworth administered the Lord's Supper 
the second time ; glorious meeting. ' ' 

Old customs are slow to yield. Monthly com- 
munion was still retained. 

Elder Thomas Campbell came about this time to 
the Western Reserve to co-operate in the work. His 
visit is thus referred to in Bro. Robbings journal : 

'''May I, 1828. Father Thomas Campbell preached in 
Braceville, and the next day near Dr. Wright's. One im- 
mersed by Bro. Bosworth." 

''May 8, 1828, Father Thomas Campbell preached in 
Windham. Baptized Bro. Reuben Ferguson and Bro. 
Baldwin, of Charleston. Same day, Bro. Bosworth im- 
mersed two." 

^'May 9, 1828. Father Thomas Campbell preached on 
Braceville Ridge from Hebrews ; subject : Land of Ca- 
naan." 

"May 17, 1828. I went to Warren. Met with them on 
Lord's day. Up to this date, one hundred and thirty had 
been immersed in Warren; one hundred and five added 
to the church." 

"Lord^s day, May 25, 1828. Bro. M. Bosworth preached 
on the Ridge. Seven united to Braceville church. He 
administered the Lord's Supper the third time." 
13 



146 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

In this manner the work went on through all that 
region, extending into Nelson, Freedom, Charleston, 
Hiram, Mantua, and Shalersville. 

The church in Windham, like those in Braceville, 
Garrettsville, and Warren, was in transition. Expir- 
ing customs die hard. The " experience '* and ** cov- 
enant'' meetings and monthly communion seasons, 
as occasions of special ** fellowship," lingered for al- 
most a year in Windham and Braceville. Robbins 
writes : 

'^ March 22, 1829. Commenced breaking bread every 
first day of the week. Fourteen added to the church, 
making in all sixty-five members.'' 

A wise forbearance ruled the church, and they 
eventually all came to the unity of the faith and prac- 
tice of the apostolic order. 

For many years this church was a shining light. 
They built a good house at the center of the town, 
and continued there to worship as late as about the 
year 1855, when, weakened by removals and other 
causes, they yielded the ground and ceased to meet 
as a church. But their works remain. While with 
sadness they were compelled to abandon the organiza- 
tion, they count with joy on the good they achieved ; 
and other regions are made strong by the causes 
which entailed weakness on the church in Windham. 

This church raised up and sent forth two able evan- 
gelists, Bro. L. P. Streator, long prominent and use- 
ful, especially in Pennsylvania; and Bro. Myron J. 
Streator, whose abundant labors will never be forgot- 
ten. Both arose in Windham, and by this church re- 
ceived their first encouragement and sanction as 
preachers of the gospel. 



in the western reserve. 14/ 

Elder Thomas Campbell's Visit. 

It is difficult, after the lapse of forty-five years, to 
realize the commotion consequent on the first work 
of Scott and his associates. So novel, so bold, and 
to the candid listeners, so plain and scriptural ! The 
enthusiasm was unbounded. The '' zeal," though 
usually guided by knowledge, sometimes overstepped 
the limits of prudence ; yet it is surprising so few 
errors became incorporated in the teaching, and that 
the work was marred by so few cases of indiscretion. 
The interest in the public mind had swelled to a tor- 
rent, whose impetuous rush bore away all before it. 

News of all that was going on was constantly trans- 
mitted to Bethany, and Mr. Campbell, whose careful 
and sagacious eye surveyed the movement in all di- 
rections with the mind of a general, had some fear 
lest the impulsive zeal of his ardent and able friend 
Scott might, in this quarter, wreck the vessel of re- 
formation. At his instance, his father, the venerable 
Thomas Campbell, saddled his favorite sorrel, and 
made an extensive tour of these battle-fields. He 
visited first. New Lisbon, then Fairfield, Warren, 
Braceville, Windham, Mantua, Mentor, and other 
places. Nothing could have been more opportune ; 
just such a man was needed ; and none who never 
saw him can well appreciate the great effect of the 
presence, counsels, and addresses of this noblest of 
men. Uniting the simplicity of a child with the dig- 
nity of a senator, agreeable almost to playfulness, 
with a piety so pure, sweet, and unostentatious as to 
command the respect and admiration of all around 
him, the newly forming churches felt in his presence 



148 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the timely aid, encouragement, and counsel which 
could be imparted by no other one so well. His 
fame and abilities as a scholar and as a speaker, drew 
large audiences. Seeing the work before him to be 
^ but an advance step in the great plea of the restora- 
\tion which he had himself initiated and advocated 
twenty years before, after examining the ground with 
his usual caution and candor, he gave to it his full 
sanction, and entered upon its advocacy with all his 
great influence and powers. Soon after his arrival 
on the ground, he wrote to his son Alexander from 
New Lisbon, under date of April 9th, 1828, as follows : 

*^ I perceive that theory and practice in religion, as well 
as in other things, are matters of distinct consideration. 
. . . We have spoken and published many things cor- 
rectly concerning the ancient gospel — its simplicity and 
perfect adaptation to the present state of mankind, for the 
benign and gracious purposes of its immediate relief and 
complete salvation — but I must confess, that, in respect 
of the direct exhibition and application of it for that 
blessed purpose, I am at present, for the first time, upon 
the ground where the thing has appeared to be practically 
exhibited to the proper purpose. ' Compel them to come,' 
saith the Lord, ^ that my house may be filled.* 

*^ Mr Scott has made a bold push to accomplish this ob- 
ject, by simply and boldly stating the ancient gospel and 
insisting upon it ; and then by putting the question gen- 
erally and particularly to males and females, old and 
young : Will you come to Christ and be baptized for the 
remission of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit? 
Do n't you believe this blessed gospel ? Then come away, 
etc., etc. This elicits a personal conversation ; some con- 
fess faith in the testimony — beg time to think ; others con- 
sent—give their hands to be baptized as soon as conven- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 49 

lent; others debate the matter friendly; some go straight 
to the water, be it day or night ; and, upon the whole, 
none appear offended.'* 

He spent the month of May, (1828), in Braceville, 
Windham, and that region, adding strength and mem- 
bers to the cause, and teaching piety and pure relig- 
ion from house to house. He preached in Windham, 
Lord's day, the 8th of May, and baptized Rev. Reu- 
ben Ferguson, a Methodist preacher of great moral 
worth, who began immediately to preach the faith as 
proclaimed by the apostles at the beginning. 

The travels of Elder Campbell were very extensive, 
and his labors abundant. He visited Chardon, Ham- 
den, and Huntsburg ; the latter of which were new and 
weak churches. He was among the infant churches 
like Barnabas of the apostolic days. No record can 
convey a proximate estimate of the blessings of his 
presence and labors at this juncture. There was 
probably no man within the reformation who pos- 
sessed such authority of personal influence ; of noble 
mien and manly form ; grave and serene of counte- 
nance ; courtly in manners, his discourses always re- 
ligious and instructive, he impressed his hearers 
always favorably and permanently. The young dis- 
ciples and inexperienced preachers, who were now 
springing up, needed such a model ; and it was 
delightful to see the quiet and profound deference 
yielded to him wherever he came. 

It was during this period of his travels on the Wes- 
tern Reserve that he fell in with Aylett Raines. Bro. 
Raines may tell his impressions in his own words : 

** Not long after this period I made the acquaintance 
of Bro. Thomas Campbell. He interested himself in my 



150 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

favor, and had me travel and preach with him several 
months. This I view as a merciful interposition of my 
Heavenly Father. By day and by night, publicly and 
from house to house, he was my teacher. I feel that I was 
greatly benefited, but how much I can never tell. Not 
only by word, but by example, he deeply impressed my 
warm and susceptible heart. He was, emphatically, a 
godly man. He was greatly addicted to private devotions. 
Often have I seen him, when he had no reason to believe 
that any eye saw him but that eye before which all things 
are naked and open, in his closet, prostrate on his face, 
pouring out his soul in prayer to God. I thank God that 
I ever made the acquaintance of that great and good man ; 
and I look forward with bright and cheering anticipations 
when we may meet to part no more, in the brighter and 
better world.'* 

Sketch of A. Raines. 

This gifted man, destined to rise to a conspicuous place 
in the advocacy of the gospel, was born near Fredericks- 
burg, Spottsylvania County, Virginia, in the year 1797. 
At the age of four years, he was led up by his father to 
the altar, where Parson Boggs ''christened *' him after 
the forms of the Episcopal church. It was done amidst 
many tears from the young ''convert,*' but they were 
neither tears of joy nor penitence, but of fear and appre- 
hension of something awful about to be done to him, in 
opposition to which his whole nature was roused. But 
his pious parents, in fulfillment of obligations which they 
conceived were resting upon them from the vows assumed 
at his "baptism** — but which, with far more truth, they 
were under merely as parents — trained him in the princi- 
ples and paths of strict morality. The pious culture thus 
obtained, especially from his most excellent Christian 
mother, was of immeasurable afd vantage to him. He 
ever bore toward them the profoundest gratitude for theii 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I5I 

faithful guardianship. From Virginia his parents emi- 
grated, when he was fourteen, to Jefferson County, Ken- 
tucky. Hearing different ^'orders'* of preaching, often 
contradictory, and presuming, as many do, that the Bible 
sanctions all, he became skeptical. The reading of 
Paine' s Age of Reason filled him with doubt, and flushed 
him with conceit. But his mother's pious instructions 
held him, and finally gained the mastery. He went into 
Indiana, and engaged in teaching, near Fredonia. His 
employers being Restorationists, he fell into discussions 
with them. He felt himself foiled in these contests. 
Winchester's ^^ Dialogues on Universal Restoration " com- 
pleted the work, and he came out a thorough and sincere 
convert to that speculative scheme. 

New emotions filled his breast. He obtained the com- 
mon '^ evidence " of genuine conversion. He writes : 

'^ I got religion. The sky appeared to be bluer, the 
leaves looked greener, and the birds sang more sweetly 
than ever before. I underwent a great moral change. 
There was much of the love of God in it. Shrouded as 
I was in error, yet there were apertures through which the 
love of God passed into my heart, and made me inexpress- 
ibly happy. ' ' 

Persuaded that the numerous friends of Bro. Raines 
will be delighted with his own statement of his experi- 
ences, I continue the recital from his own graphic pen : 

'^ I now commenced the study of the Scriptures in good 
earnest, and after two years commenced preaching. This, 
of course, provoked great opposition, and I had a number 
of debates. In these, one sectarianism was arrayed against 
another ; and those that came plunging and crashing against 
mine seemed so very frail, and made so feeble a defense, 
as rather to confirm me in my errors. I preached Res- 
toration ism five years. A part of the time I taught 
school, but the last two years of the five I traveled at 
large. The expiration of this term brought me to the 



rS2 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Western Reserve, where Bro. Scott and others were 
preaching the ancient gospel. Hundreds were being bap- 
tized. Much interest had been awakened in behalf of 
the gospel, and bitter was the opposition which had been 
enlisted against it. Misrepresentations — not to use a 
harsher term — were as numerous as blackbirds in August, 
and these too, very often by those who professed to be 
'embassadors for Christ,' and who said they were 'the 
called of God, as was Aaron. ' ' Just say you believe, and 
let a preacher dip you, and there could be no scriptural 
doubt of reaching — no matter what the life might be sub- 
sequently — the heavenly inheritance.' It was strange to 
me then, and yet passing strange, that good people, when 
under the dominion of religious prejudice, falsify at a most 
alarming and extravagant rate. They say that they are 
'new creatures;' but if they are, I can not perceive that 
the new creature is, in this respect, any better than the old ! 
"After a few weeks I concluded to hear Bro. Scott for 
myself. He was to speak at night at Bro. Robbins', in 
the town of Windham, near where I was at that time so- 
journing. One object that I had in view was to bring 
Bro. Scott into a debate; for among other things that I 
had heard, I had been told that he was a very bold man, 
and at the close of his discourses he challenged objectors 
to make known their objections. Here, thought I, will be 
a good opportunity for me ! and hence I let a number of 
my brethren know that I intended to oppose him. Well, we 
assembled, a compact congregation. Bro. Scott, after sing- 
ing and prayer, read first Cor. first chapter. He preached 
it through, not forgetting to state and defend what he 
styled the six points of the gospel. I was greatly sur- 
prised. But when he called for objections I was con- 
founded. I could see the heads of my brethren moving 
to the right and left, in the crowd, expecting to see me 
rise to my feet. But they didn't see me rise ! The reason 
was, I felt certain that if I opposed Bro. Scott I would 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 53 

expose myself. His discourse appeared to me, at every 
point, invulnerable. And so, when we were dismissed, 
and out in the yard, my old brethren gathered around me 
and asked, ' Bro. Raines, what do you think of the dis- 
course? ' And let me say here that I think my first an- 
swer will be my last : * I can do nothing against the gos- 
pel as preached by Bro. Scott; unless I should live to dis- 
grace it ; which may our gracious Lord forbid ! ' Hence 
I have no sympathy with those who say they can not un- 
derstand the preachers of the reformation. I understood 
the first I ever heard a great deal better than I desired. 

'*The next day I heard Bro. Scott again. His subject 
was the fifteenth chapter of first Corinthians — the resur- 
rection. Here again I was exceedingly amazed. Germs 
of truth, and beauties and glories sprang from the bosom 
of that chapter under the handling of Bro Scott, of 
which before I had scarcely any conception. 'As in 
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive,* 
I deemed a passage of cardinal importance, and the w^hole 
chapter very good in its place ; but as I did not understand 
it, of course I saw none of its beauties, and was superla- 
tively ignorant of the meaning of the scrap just referred 
to, which was one of the proof-texts by which I attempted 
to prove the ultimate holiness and happiness of all men. 
At the close of this discourse I felt profoundly interested 
in the ministrations of Bro. Scott, and resolved to follow 
him up for some days longer. 

** On the next day his subject was the two covenants; 
and here again I was amazed, not only in contemplation 
of the beauty and magnificence of gospel truth, but at my 
former ignorance, for although I had been a preacher five 
years, I certainly did not know the difference between the 
old covenant and the new. I obtained from them a sort 
of hotch-potch; or rather I made of them a chaos, and 
preached the darkness that was on the face of the deep ! 

**In a few days I heard again. His subject was the 



154 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

eleventh chapter of Hebrews. He still bore himself aloft 
in all the grandeur of the gospel, and in the captivating 
intelligence of the truth as it is in Jesus. Here I virtually 
surrendered — not that I was convinced that all nier 
would not be finally saved. Bro. Scott said nothing on 
this subject, only that it was a philosophy^ as was Calvin- 
ism, Arminianism, etc., and no part of Christianity. He 
convinced me that I ought to lay my philosophy aside, 
and preach the gospel as the apostles preached, making 
their discourses a model to be accurately copied by me in 
all my ministrations. This was, so far, a capital conquest, 
for it terminated in due time in the conviction, in my 
mind, that Restorationism itself, as much as I had for- 
merly idolized it, is founded in error. 

** At this juncture it became necessary that I should 
part from Bro. Scott for a season, for I had a tour of 
preaching before me, and must fill my own appointments. 
I resolved that I would preach as Bro. Scott had done, 
and as I believed the apostles did, and that at the close 
of each discourse I would call for objections. And I told 
my old brethren that I threw myself on their mercy ; in 
other words, that if they believed me to be going astray, 
in mercy to set me right. This attempt was often made 
within this tour, but it only served to convince me more 
satisfactorily that I was right. It terminated at the house 
of brother Ebenezer Williams, in Ravenna, a Restorationist 
preacher, a good man, and possessing excellent talents. 
I submitted to him, at his own house, my views of the 
gospel. He received them, and we were mutually im- 
mersed for the remission of sins. After this, I immedi- 
ately retraced my steps, and within five weeks I immersed 
fifty persons, three of them, counting Bro. Williams, tal- 
ented Restorationist preachers.*' * 



''■ Ebenezer Williams, David Sinclair, and Theophilus Cotton. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 55 

A. Raines and E. Williams. 

Wishing to fortify himself thoroughly on so im- 
portant a matter as the change in his religious po- 
sition, and also desiring to keep clear his approaches 
to his Restorationist brethren, Raines deferred his 
baptism till he should confer farther with their lead- 
ing men. He retraced his steps, preaching at points 
formerly visited, till he came to the residence of E. 
WiUiams, of Ravenna, who must now be introduced 
to the reader. 

Ebenezer Williams was born in Warwick, Hamp- 
shire County, Mass., March 14, 1793. He came to 
Ohio, in May, 18 15, and settled in Ravenna. Fall- 
ing in with the views of Winchester on universal 
restoration, he prepared himself for a life advocacy 
of that system. He was calm, dispassionate, a candid 
and sound reasoner, and very conscientious, and 
was one of the first advocates of that doctrine on the 
Western Reserve. He was earnest and fluent in 
speech and persuaded many, and planted communi- 
ties of converts in Newburg, Bedford, Brimfield, 
Shalersville, and elsewhere. I will permit his own 
pen to relate the circumstances which led him to 
embrace the gospel : 

'^I will give you a fraction of my history in Shalersville. 
I preached my first discourse there among the Universal- 
ists, at the request of Daniel Burroughs, Esq., who was 
instrumental in getting the first Universalist preacher on 
the Western Reserve. In 1828, I was employed in that 
town one-fourth of the time at one hundred dollars. 

*'On a pleasant morning in the month of May, I rode 
from Ravenna to meet my appointment. When I came 



156 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

in sight of the house I saw more people than usual gath- 
ered around it. While hitching my horse, two of my 
friends came up and informed me that Father Campbell 
and Sidney Rigdon had been holding a meeting there for 
several days ; two young men had been baptized ; the 
meeting had created great excitement ; they had dwelt 
much on the second chapter of Acts ; and they requested 
me to preach from the same, especially the thirty-eighth 
verse. I informed them I would do so. In my discourse 
I opened to the tenth chapter, and found that the Gen- 
tiles received the Holy Ghost before baptism, reasoning 
that baptism was but voluntary and quite unessential. I 
offered the same objections to an immersion in water that 
I have since so often heard, indulging in some witticisms 
about going to heaven by water, and succeeded in pleasing 
the congregation, except the two young men above referred 
to. 

** While going home I reviewed my discourse. Al- 
though I had spoken in all sincerity, I became quite dis- 
satisfied with what I had done. My text, and the forty- 
sixth and forty-seventh verses of the last chapter of Luke, 
were constantly occupying my mind. I went home quite 
unhappy. I was familiar enough with the New Testament 
to recollect the substance of what it contained, and my 
mind was constantly engaged, day and night, to satisfy 
myself that immersion could be dispensed with. I had 
been sprinkled — I had sprinkled others, but in spite of 
all my efforts my convictions still fastened themselves 
upon me. 

^' In the midst of my perplexity one morning, while in 
the field plowing, a child came and informed me that 
Bro. Raines was at the house. I went in immediately. 
We hardly passed the usual compliments, when Bro. 
Raines said he had been hearing Walter Scott; that he 
had got into trouble, and wanted me to help him out.** 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 15/ 

Raines remained with him several days, during 
which time they gave the subject a thorough exam- 
ination in the light of the Holy Scriptures. The 
result is given in the language of Bro. Williams : 

^*The next Lord's day my appointment was in Brim- 
field. Bro. Raines went with me. We both preached. 
After meeting, we walked out, when he inquired of me 
how I had made up my mind. I informed him I should 
be immersed. Next morning we notified the friends of 
our intention, and on our way back to Ravenna, we 
stopped at Sandy Lake, a beautiful pond in the corners of 
Brimfield and Rootstown, and taking hold of each other's 
hands, we walked into the water. I baptized him ; he in 
turn baptized me. I think they were all Universalists who 
witnessed the scene. Some cried, some scolded. We ex- 
horted them to come and do likewise. 

'* When the four weeks came round, I went back to 
Shalersville, and again preached from the second chapter 
of Acts, but not so much to the satisfaction of the people. 
Some were angry ; many said they would not pay their 
subscription for such preaching. I told them I did not 
expect it — the Lord would take care of me. Thus I 
turned my back on the four hundred a year. I have 
never since received over half that amount, but having 
obtained help of God, I continue until this day." 

These brethren being now fully emancipated from 
that useless and pernicious philosophy, went every- 
where preaching the word. They were anxious to 
recover the communities which they had instructed 
from these errors. There is a worldly and false 
pride of consistency, which is but the effigy of that 
true principle of " consistency " which is said to be a 
** jewel," a counterfeit mistaken by many for the 
genuine. Had Williams and Raines listened to the 



158 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

voice of that false pride, they would never have en- 
countered the reproaches unsparingly heaped upon 
them for changing their doctrinal base. But this 
was their cross, and joyfully for Christ were they 
willing to bear it. 

The news of their conversion spread every-where, 
causing much joy among the Disciples. But the feel- 
ing was mingled with a fear that they were not 
thoroughly instructed in the foundations of the gos- 
pel. It was feared that they were, after all, merely 
baptized Universalists. If this was all, it was noth- 
ing. Baptized Universalism is Universalism still ; not 
the gospel. So baptized sectarianism, in any form, 
is but sectarianism at best, and not the gospel of 
Jesus Christ. This plea of reformation did not be- 
gin nor end in baptism. It saw as its end, and 
sought nothing less, than the de-organization of sect, 
and the re-organization of the saints on the new cov- 
enant, in the express terms and conditions divinely 
set forth in the Holy Scriptures. This was clear as 
a sunbeam in the preaching and writings of Scott 
and the Campbells, and all who were enlisted in the 
defense. No marvel then, that even thus early in 
our work, no one could be satisfied with the mere 
baptism of these men. They wanted proof of their 
abandonment of Universalism, and their confession of 
Christ and his gospel. They felt as the disciples of 
old concerning Saul, of whose conversion and bap- 
tism report quickly spread — "they were all afraid of 
him, and believed not that he was a disciple." Acts 
ix : 26. These noble men, however, had learned and 
embraced the gospel as the ** power of God unto sal- 
vation to every one that believeth." Salvation was 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I59 

now with them, as with the original preachers, 
through faith and obedience ; without which impeni- 
tent sinners are still in their sins, and obnoxious to 
the judgments of God, 

The Church in Freedom. 

The first person baptized in Freedom, after the 
primitive order, was Daniel Brown. This was in 
1828. Bro. Bosworth sowed the seed and reaped the 
fruit. Bro. Rufus Ranney was the next. Then John 
Bonney, who heard Scott in Nelson, and was baptized 
by him. This post was held by Bro. Ryder and the 
itinerant laborers till 1840, when they built and or- 
ganized. The gospel had made inroads into Charles- 
ton also, and brethren Woolcut, Peebles, and Baldwin 
associated with the church at Freedom. Daniel 
Brown and John Bonney were chosen overseers, and 
Lewis Hamilton, Joseph Woolcut, and John James, 
deacons. 

The church prospered for several years. Two 
preachers — O. E. Brown and J. W. James — arose out 
of this church, who have been many years in the 
work, and proved themselves extensively useful. In 
June, 1848, they entertained the county yearly meet- 
ing ; their number being about thirty. They after- 
ward rose to fifty. After about twelve years of pros- 
perity, dissensions grew up, and the tie of brother- 
hood was sundered. For several years the religious 
interest was nearly extinct ; but there were a few 
names **who had not defiled their garments." The 
work has lately been revived, and meetings are again 
held regularly. 

It is interesting to state that the first disciple in 



l60 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCJPLES 

Freedom still survives, and that the first overseer is 
elder still. Bro. Daniel Brown, who in his eighty- 
sixth year, writes me, *' I do not expect to live 
much longer, but so long as the Lord lets me live, I 
am willing. When he calls me I am ready to go." 



IN THE WESTEKN RESERVE. l6l 



CHAPTER VII. 

Association in Warren, 1828 — Principles of Union Settled — Scott 
and Hayden appointed Evangelists — Biography of Hayden — 
Expectation of the Millennium. 

THE association for 1828 was to meet in Warren, 
People every-where were looking forward to it 
with great expectations. The new converts, now 
very numerous, were inspired with the prospect of a 
great spiritual convocation. The friends of return 
to primitive order were flushed with the victories so 
numerous and decisive, and prepared to enjoy that 
meeting as a kind of triumphant jubilee; while the 
preachers themselves were eager to meet together in 
mutual congratulations, to make reports, and to hear 
news of the success of the gospel from all quarters. 
A few viewed the new movements with fear and 
trembling, paused in doubt, and hoped that the 
approaching association might interpose some need- 
ful checks, and in some way bring the whole work 
more within the principles and order which were 
still dear to many of the older members. 

It is not necessary to conceal the fact that the 
writer of these notes was in attendance from first to 
last. It will be difficult to convey to the reader the 
complex character of that meeting, the important 
questions which there called for solution, and the 
controlling guidance necessary to maintain unanim- 
ity of feeling, that the work so powerfully progress- 
14 



1 62 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ing might still go forward. Men for the crisis were 
demanded. Such men were there. 

The association came together purely and simply 
as an assembly of Christians. Though under the 
forms and name of a Baptist association, the creed 
system was abandoned, and neither that denomina- 
tional name, nor any other, was on its standards. 
Men of nearly all the religious bodies, many of them 
leaders therein, leaving the technics of the party, but 
retaining their faith, hope, and love, mingled to- 
gether as disciples of the common Lord ; now in the 
one body, possessing the one spirit, rejoicing in the 
same hope, submitting themselves to the same 
Lord, through the one faith and the one baptism, 
they worshiped together the same God and Father 
of all Christian people. This great occasion was a 
grand demonstration of the possibility of the union 
of Christians on original Bible ground. It was no 
longer a theory. It was then an actual, accomplished 
fact. And though by no means the first such ex- 
ample in modern times, this meeting in Warren was, 
perhaps, the largest assembly, and the most com- 
plete, full, and illustrious example of it. The history 
of it is a triumphant vindication of the principles of 
the Campbells on this subject, a proof of their prac- 
ticability, and an illustration of their power. Here 
were Methodists, no longer Methodists, but still 
Christians ; Baptists surrendering the title, yet hold- 
ing the Head, even Christ ; Restorationists, giving 
up their fruitless and faulty speculations, now obedi- 
ent to the faith once delivered to the saints ; Bible 
Christians, recovered from their negative gospel to 
the apostle's method of preaching, together with very 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE 163 

many from other forms of religious belief — all re- 
joicing together, *' perfectly united in the same mind 
and the same judgment." 

Among the seniors were Thomas Campbell and 
his son Alexander, Adamson Bentley, and Sidney 
Rigdon, with Walter Scott, to whom multitudes of 
the young disciples looked with the affection of chil- 
dren to a spiritual father. Of the younger preachers, 
may be named Jacob Osborne, Marcus Bosworth, 
William Hayden, John Henry, Symonds Ryder, Zeb 
Rudolph, John Applegate, John Secrest, A. G. 
Ewing, as also Aylett Raines, the Cottons, and 
Reuben Ferguson. 

So large a number of Disciples, both of new con- 
verts and of persons collected by the appeals for 
union from various religious beliefs, needed much 
instruction in the principles of that union, especially 
in its practical workings. Besides, the doubts and 
disaffections arising from the introduction of Restor- 
ationist ministers began to break forth in out-of-door 
discussions touching the prudence of such a loose 
proceeding. 

The leading brethren were fully aware of all that 
was passing. With a correct discernment of the 
situation, and a profound and far-seeing appreciation 
of the necessity for a clear and scriptural settlement 
of the grounds of true Christian union, Mr. Camp- 
bell, who was to deliver the introductory sermon, 
prepared to meet the case fairly, fully, and manfully. 
His sermon was founded on Rom. xiv: i: ** Him 
that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubt- 
ful disputations." He classified under three heads all 
subjects relating to the Christian religion : — 



164 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

1st. Matters of knowledge — personal knowledge; 

2d. The things of faith, the facts reported to us, 
which we accept on testimony ; 

3d. Matters of opinion. 

The distinctions in these three departments are 
marked and important. The profound and eloquent 
preacher, in a lucid and masterly manner, defined 
them, and showed their application to the present 
divided state of Christendom, and illustrated the 
manner in which these principles would solve the 
difficult problem of the union of Christians, and yet 
disturb neither the faith nor the piety of any one. 

Knowledge, he defined as one's own personal ex- 
perience. This term is confined to the things which 
he himself sees, or hears, or discerns, either by his 
senses, or his own consciousness. A person can tes- 
tify only to the things which he himself personally 
knows. It was asserted that the apostles knew the 
Lord Jesus ; saw him, " handled " him, heard him, 
and knew his miraculous works, and heard his gra- 
cious discourses ; so that within their personal knowl- 
edge and consciousness they held the absolute cer- 
tainty of knowledge of him — his character and his 
claims ; that they were thus qualified to declare the 
gospel and to be his embassadors, his apostles, and 
witnesses to the world ; that the apostles knew the 
gospel to be true, and none but they stood on this 
high ground of knowledge. 

The subject of faith was treated in an equally clear 
and forcible style. Faith stands on testimony. No 
testimony, no faith. Testimony is delivered by wit- 
nesses. Christ's apostles are his witnesses : "And 
ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. l6$ 

with me from the beginning ; John xv : 27. '* Ye 
shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit has 
come upon you : and ye shall be witnesses unto me 
both in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and 
unto the uttermost parts of the earth ; " Acts i : 8. 
Our faith in Christ is founded on the testimony of 
his witnesses. The apostles, the men of knowledge, 
testified or declared the things which they saw and 
heard ; we receive their testimony, and thus we be- 
lieve. ** Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the 
word of God ; " Rom. x : 17. 

It was next shown that as the facts of the gospel 
are always one and invariable, and as the apostolic 
testimony or declaration of the facts never varies, 
the faith of all persons is a unit. The important 
conclusion was thus reached, that Christians are not 
divided on the faith. 

Touching the third division in this classification 
of knowledge, faith, and opinion, he showed that 
opinion was the fruitful source of all the schism 
which checkers, disgraces, and weakens the Christian 
profession ; that creeds are but statements, with few 
exceptions, of doctrinal opinion or speculative views 
of philosophical or dogmatic subjects, and tended to 
confusion, disunion, and weakness ; that as Christ re- 
ceives us in the faith, without regard to questions of 
doubtful disputation, so we should receive one 
another, laying the basis of a rational and permanent 
union in the faith, in the express matters of apostolic 
teaching, on which no differences obtain among the 
followers of Christ. 

So rational and scriptural a ground of gathering 
into the long-desired unity the scattered sheep of 



l66 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Christ's fold, commended itself to all his hearers as 
both safe and practicable. But men often approve 
in theory what they fear to trust in practice. So 
with Mr. Campbell's views of the grounds on which 
we were to receive members into fellowship. This, 
though plausible in theory, was a wide departure from 
Baptist principles of church-fellowship. So likewise 
these principles of apostolic teaching would demolish 
the narrow, restrictive creed policy of all the sects 
in the land. It was a bold position. It was taken 
in the face of the embattled array of sect power. It 
was clear, simple, sensible. But would it bear the 
strain of the practical tests to which this plan mJght 
be subjected ? So reasoned many, standing yet in 
doubt. A trial case was at hand, a case just in point, 
which served both to illustrate the principles of the 
sermon, and to test their power. Aylett Raines was 
present, willing to be counted among the brethren, 
if he could be received as a Christian without sur- 
rendering his liberty in Christ. 

The case was called up Saturday afternoon by the 
careful and judicious Osborne. Raines, it was 
thought, still entertained Restorationist sentiments. 
If he should in any wise continue to advocate them, 
dissension and division would follow. Some were for 
rejecting him, many were in doubt. But the greater 
number were decidedly and warmly in his favor. 
Bro. Osborne was impelled to the measure, less, it is 
presumed, by his own doubts of the propriety of re- 
ceiving him, than by the urgency of others who 
wanted the association to take action in the case. 

As we have it in our power, we will gratify the 
reader by giving Bro. Raines* own recollections of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE, 1 67 

this scene. In a communication of April 6, 1868, 
he says : 

* ' I went to that association expecting trouble : for, 
although I did not preach my Restorationist opinions, yet 
I sometimes told such persons as approached me becom- 
ingly, that it was still my opinion that all men would, ul- 
timately, in some distant period of eternity, be saved. 
Out of this the trouble was to grow. But I resolved to 
breast the storm. I arrived in Warren, Friday morning. 
At one o'clock P. M., I had the pleasure to hear, for the 
first time, A. Campbell. He read the fourteenth chapter 
of the Epistle to the Romans, and dwelt extensively on 
a passage in it, which, according to his translation, reads 
as follows : * Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but 
without regard to diiferences of opinion.' On this passage 
Bro. Campbell dilated lucidly, showing the difference be- 
tween faith and opinion, and between humanisms, or phi- 
losophies, and the 'faith once delivered to the saints.' 
I felt very much strengthened and comforted, knowing, if 
my case came up in the association, I would have at least 
Bro. Campbell on my side, and if him, a multitude of our 
preachers and brethren. 

*' After hearing the views of Bro. Campbell I thought it 
probable that my case would be let alone. In this, how- 
ever, I mistook. Next morning I met Dr. Wright on the 
street, who said to me : * I understand that you sometimes 
tell people that you still believe that all men will finally 
become holy and happy.' 'I do, sir,' said I. 'What 
then will you do, ' said he, ' with this passage : T/iese shall 
go away into everlasting punishment^ but the righteous into 
life eternal?' ' I will not do any thing with it,' said I. ' If 
I argue with you in defense of my opinions I shall make 
myself a factionist. But I have as much right to argue for 
my opinions as you have for yours ; and if you get up an 
argument with me, be careful, you will make yourself a 



l68 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

factionist/ At this the Doctor, seeing that I was not in 
his trap, became excited, and said: ^ Well, sir, I'll see 
whether this association will fellowship men of your views.' 
'See,' said I, * Doctor, as soon as you please, and I will 
show you that I will have Thomas Campbell, A. Campbell, 
Walter Scott, Bentley, and a number of others on my side.' 
He replied, ^ It is impossible.' I responded, ^Well, try 
it.' Accordingly, not Dr. Wright, but Bro. Osborne, on 
Saturday afternoon, very lugubriously presented my case. 
Bro. Thomas Campbell first responded, as nearly as I can 
recollect, in words following : ^ The devil has brought this 
question into this association to sow discord among breth- 
ren. Bro. Raines and I have been much together for the 
last several months, and we have mutually unbosomed our- 
selves to each other. I am a Calvin ist, and he a Restora- 
tionist; and, although I am a Calvinist, I would put my 
right arm into the fire and have it burnt off before I would 
raise my hand against him. And if I were Paul, I would 
have Bro. Raines in preference to any other young man of 
my acquaintance to be my Timothy.' Next, Bro. A. 
Campbell arose, and substantially repeated what he had 
said in his introductory discourse, on the difference be- 
tween faith and opinion. Then Bro. Scott arose and said 
that he concurred with the preceding speakers, and would 
not have said any thing on the occasion but to give me time 
for reflection. ^I think,' said he, 'that Bro. Raines has 
been very badly treated, and I fear that when he speaks 
he will speak with too much severity.' Then Bro. Camp- 
bell requested me to stand upon a bench, * and proclaim 
to the large concourse present, my own views of my obli- 
gations as a Christian and as a preacher of the gospel. 
This I did briefly, and in effect, as follows: That my 
Restorationism was a philosophy. That I would neither 
preach it nor contend for it, but would preach the whole 



* The better to be heard, the house being very full. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 69 

gospel, and teach the whole truth of Christianity accord- 
ing to my best ability, etc., etc. Bro. A. Campbell then 
put the question : ' Whether there was any law of Christ 
by which I could be condemned ? ' The vote was in the 
negative, and in my favor by an overwhelming majority. 
This I took to be quite a triumph ; but the end was not 
yet. 

*'The next morning I attended sunrise prayer-meet- 
ing. After the usual routine of reading, singing, and 
prayer, the leader of the meeting, whose name I do not 
recollect, arose and spoke as follows : ' Brethren, I under- 
stand there are certain persons in the fellowship of this 
association who deny that sinners are saved by grace, and say 
that those who die in their sins will be purified by hell-fire. 
I move,' said he, 'that such persons be disfellowshiped.' 
In a twinkling I was on my feet, and said : ' I second that 
motion ; for by grace are ye saved through faith, and that 
not of yourselves : it is the gift of God : not of works, lest 
any man should boast. Now,' said I, * if any member 
of this association holds any doctrine contradictory to 
the teaching of this passage, I move that he be immediately 
disfellowshiped.' The old Brother who had put the m*o- 
tion, struck a direct line for the door, and the congrega- 
tion followed him ; and there my association troubles ended. 
Affairs, however, would probably have taken a very dif- 
ferent turn, had somebody else than myself seconded the 
old man's motion. 

'^ I was dealt with, and my case managed, by Bro. Camp- 
bell and all the chieif brethren in very great kindness and 
wisdom. Had they attempted to brow-beat me I might 
have been ruined forever. But treating me kindly, at the 
same time that they convinced me that my opinion, whether 
true or false, dwindled into nothingness in comparison with 
the faith of the gospel, redeemed me. I became a day and 
night preacher of the gospel, and my mind becoming ab- 
sorbed in this vast work, the opinion faded, and in ten months 
IS 



I70 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

was numbered with all my former errors. The Lord be 
thanked for his great deliverance. Bro. Campbell, I ought 
to say, invited me to go to Bethany, and told he thought 
he could convince me that my Restorationist opinion was 
false." 

''Note i. — I make a distinction between Restoration- 
ism and Universalism. Opinions are only to be tolerated 
when they do not subvert obvious facts of the gospel. 
This Universalism does in its teaching concerning the di- 
vinity of Christ, atonement, making God the author of 
sin, denying the remission of sins, and a judgment, and 
punishment after death. I consider the system no bet- 
ter than deism. 

'' Note 2, — I remained on the Reserve but a short time 
after the association. I came to the south part of Ohio 
and preached in Dayton, Cincinnati, and many other places, 
with some success ; and finally, in Wilmington, Ohio, in 
which place and its vicinity I baptized many persons. We 
used to make our numerous converts at one, two and three 
days' meetings. Now it often takes two and three weeks* 
pounding, day and night, with the hammer of the . Word 
to crack the shell of worldliness which surrounds the heart. 
What shall be the end ? ' When the Son of Man cometh, 
shall he find faith in the earth? ' A. R." 

The reception of Raines delighted the great body 
of the young converts and reformers, whose feelings 
were awakened in his favor. It was also hailed with 
equal interest by the older and sounder advocates 
of the plea for Christian union on Christian princi- 
ples, as it was a clear and conspicuous case in which 
these principles were strikingly illustrated. They 
regarded it, therefore, as a marked victory for the truth, 

A principal business of this meeting was to hear the 
report of the evangelist, and to make arrangements 
for future labors. We subjoin the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I /I 



Report of Walter Scott, the Evangelist of 
THE Association. 

"Beloved Brethren: — The Christian of the nine- 
teenth century has been permitted to witness the accom- 
plishment of wonderful events. Providence has stationed 
him on a sublime eminence, from which he can behold the 
fulfillment of illustrious prophecies, and look backward 
upon nearly the whole train of events leading to the Mil- 
lennium. 

^^Afar off, and upon the background of the picture be- 
fore him, of wonderful extent, and in all the greatness of 
imperial ruin, appear the three great empires of Babylon, 
Persia, and Greece. Nearer to hand lies Rome; eternal 
Rome ! terrible in her origin, terrible in her glory, terri- 
ble in her decline and/tz/// Living and acting through a 
long series of ages, she approaches the very verge of the 
present scene of things, till she assumes the distracted form 
of the ten kingdoms spoken of by Daniel, the remains of 
which now reel to and fro upon the face of Europe, like a 
drunken man, ready to be engulphed in the yawning judg- 
ments of Almighty God. Sic transit Gloria Mimdi, 

" But from amidst the blaze of her glory, see yet loftier 
scenes arise; Behold the kingdom of our Lord Jesus, 
awaking under the eye of the Ccesars I Small in its begin- 
ning, it rolls forward, it survives all Roman greatness; 
and that which was yonder a little stone, is here become 
a vast mountain, and fills the whole earth. The waters 
which yonder issued from the threshold of the Lord's 
house, have here arisen ; they have become waters to swim 
in — a river that can not be passed over. 

*' Here, too, are the impostures of Mahomet and the 
Pope, with temples having the lowermost part consecrated 
to God, the upper to the worship of idols. Arrayed in 
purple and scarlet, decked with gold, and precious stones. 



1/2 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

and pearls, behold the apostate church, mounted upon her 
imperial beast, holds forth to the intoxicated nations a 
golden cup in her hand, full of abomination and of the 
filthiness of her fornication ! On her fair but unblush- 
ing forehead is inscribed Mystery^ Babylon the Great, 
the Mother of Harlots and abominations of the earth. She 
shall be thrown down with the violence of a millstone 
plunged into the midst of the ocean. 

*' Her portentous offspring also issued to mankind in 
the mature age of 666, with the head of a lamb and the 
heart of a dragon : the Inquisition raiseth itself on high, 
with the power, the delusion and cruelty of its parent ; it 
comes roving over the earth, and causeth all, both small 
and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a 
mark in their right hand or in their forehead ; and that 
no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or 
the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 

^* Here, also, is the French Atheism, filled with all pre- 
sumption, and magnifying itself above every god; he 
speaketh marvelous things against the true God ; his hands 
are filled with spears, and his skirts are drenched in blood ; 
but he shall come to his end, says Daniel, and none shall 
help him. 

''All these things, beloved brethren, have passed in re- 
view before the Christian of the nineteenth century ; but 
if we have had to witness schemes of policy and supersti- 
tion so wild and enthusiastic, and apparently so unfavora- 
ble to the true religion, we have seen many things intro- 
duced also highly conducive to its promulgation and recep- 
tion among mankind. Above all, we have seen the church 
in America seated down under a gracious and efficient 
government, affording her and all men an unprecedented 
security of life and property ; and if her unity be still a 
desideratum, we ought to remember that the saints, for 
nearly three hundred years, have been combating tyranny 
and superstition with astonishing success, until those who 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 73 

despise every name and every phrase, not found in the 
Scripture, have become, probably, by far the most nu- 
merous body of professors in the United States. But who 
would have thought it remained for any so late as 1827, 
to restore to the world the manner — the primitive manner — 
of administering to mankind the gospel of our Lord Je- 
sus Christ ! or which of you, brethren, would have thought, 
two years ago, of men coming from forty to a hundred 
and twenty miles to the ministers of the Mahoning churches 
for baptism ! Yet these things have actually occurred ; 
and who can not see, that, by the blessings of God, the 
ancient gospel and ancient order of the church must pre- 
vail to the certain abolition of all those contumacious sects 
which now so woefully afflict mankind ? 

*' Brethren, we have a right to expect great things of 
our Father, if we are united and stand fast, striving to- 
gether for the faith of the gospel. And be it known to 
you, brethren, that individuals eminently skilled in the 
Word of God, the history of the world, and the progress 
of human improvement, see reasons to expect great 
changes, much greater than have yet occurred, and which 
shall give to political society and to the church a different, 
a very different, complexion from what many anticipate. 

*^The Millennium — the Millennium described in Scrip- 
ture — will doubtless be a wonder, a terrible wonder 
to ALL. 

*^ The gospel, since *last year, has been preached with 
great success in Palmyra, Deerfield, Randolph, Shalersville, 
Nelson, Hiram, etc., etc., by Bros. Finch, Hubbard, Fer- 
guson, Bosworth, Hayden, and others. Several new 
churches have been formed ; and so far as I am enabled to 
judge, the congregations are in a very flourishing condition. 
Indeed, the preacher of the present day, like the angel of 
the Revelation, seated on the triumphant cloud, has only 
to thrust in his sharp sickle in order to reap a rich harvest 
of souls, and gather it in unto eternal life.*' 



174 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

The work in Bro. Scott's hands had prospered so 
far beyond expectation, that only one feeling pre- 
vailed on the question of re-appointing him. When 
the subject came up, some proposed that he be al- 
lowed to travel where Providence opened " a door of 
faith,'* not restricting him to associational limits. 
Others reasoned that there was much work needed 
in the bounds of the association, and that, as this 
body is responsible for his support, it had a right to 
his labors, and it was its duty to direct them. None 
doubted the power or the propriety of this body tak- 
ing the work into its hands of sending him out and 
marking out his field ; but some thought it not ad- 
visable so to tie his hands ; that if he saw a door 
beyond the specified limits, he should not feel for- 
bidden to go over into Macedonia. Rigdon, who had 
taken no part in this discussion, becoming weary of 
it, said : " You are consuming too much time on this 
question. One of the old Jerusalem preachers would 
start out with his hunting shirt and moccasins, and 
convert half the world while you are discussing and 
settling plans ! *' Upon this, Bro. Scott arose with a 
genial smile, and remarked : ** Brethren, give me my 
Bible, my Head, and Bro. William Hayden, and we 
will go out and convert the wdrld." Then Rigdon, 
*' I move that we give Bro. Scott his Bible, his Head, 
and Bro. William Hayden." It was settled in a few 
moments, as Rigdon's resolution was seconded and 
passed unanimously. 

Bro. Scott said afterward, that he chose Bro. Wil- 
liam Hayden not because he could preach better 
than any one else, but for his powers of music ; that 
there was not a man in the association who could 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 75 

sing like him. Scott showed his discrimination in 
this choice. People used to come out to their meet- 
ings on purpose to hear Hayden sing. He was full 
of song and full of songs — a ready one always at 
hand, appropriate to the hearers. Many hearts were 
first melted with music, and then molded for Christ 
by the gospel. The preaching was all the better, as 
both preacher and people were subdued in feeling, 
and disposed to hear the tidings of salvation with 
tenderness of heart. The hymns he sang were mostly 
set pieces, of great beauty and power, and which he 
" rendered " in a style of surpassing brilliancy and 
force. On several occasions, when the great name 
and eloquence of Scott failed to batter down the walls 
of prejudice, and to get a hearing, he retired from 
the audience, saying: "I'll send Willie, and he'll 
sing you out!" 

It would be difficult to convey to the reader an 
adequate conception of the power of this great meet- 
ing. It was notable for several reasons : The ability 
and number of the preachers in attendance lifted it 
into conspicuity above any preceding occasion. The 
large and enthusiastic assemblage of disciples, newly 
converted to Christ, or newly from the thrall of 
sectarian shackles, into the " glorious liberty of 
the sons of God" — all rejoicing in the fresh views 
of the original gospel, and the proofs of its power to 
convert sinners, seen in the hundreds, the fruits of 
the recent proclamation of it, now here assembled. 
The Millennium seemed near. The songs, the 
preaching, and the prayers were well flavored with 
the ardent hope of it. No song of praise or of hope 
was so popular as the hymn — 



176 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

" When the King of kings comes, 
When the Lord of lords comes, 
We shall have a joyful day 

When the King of kings comes : 
To see the nations broken down 
And kingdoms once of great renown, 
And saints now suffering wear the crown 

When the King of kings comes ! " 

A new tune for it, composed by William Hayden, 
was rapidly caught by the people, who swelled the 
song like a grand jubilee chorus. 

Biography of William Hayden. 

William Hayden was born in Rosstrevor Township, 
Westmoreland County, Pa., Lord's day, June 30, 1799. 
In April, 1804, his father moved to the wilds of the new 
State of Ohio, and settled in Youngstown, where William, 
the oldest of the family, experienced the privations of 
pioneer life. Fond of reading, and having access to few 
books, he read much in the Bible. He was, when he was 
young, perplexed with questions about the origin of 
things, and what shall be hereafter. He was a deist before he 
was twelve; then for awhile the gulph of atheism yawned 
before him. From its frightful chasm he was rescued by 
the reflection, that *'if nothing had eternally or primarily 
existed^ nothing could have been originatedy and that hence 
a cause uncaused was self-evident,^^ He farther reflected 
that to doubt the existence of a Creator leads necessarily 
to a doubt of the existence of the creature. For awhile 
he tried the bold adventure of doubting his own existence. 
This was impossible. His conclusion, in his own words 
was, ** there is no sense in being a fool!'* Cured now 
of atheism — for deism he found another remedy: **I 
plainly saw that to turn away from the Bible, we plunge 
ourselves into darkness, and our only refuge is in our ig- 
norance.*' *^ Finally, reading again the narrative of the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 177 

inhuman treatment of Christ from the garden to the sep- 
ulcher, and seeing how patiently and meekly he endured 
it all, his whole life passed in review before my mind. I 
was indignant that such a person should be so treated. 
What harm had he ever done them ? The only perfect 
character that ever appeared on earth ; a model of good- 
ness, wisdom, dignity, condescension, and pity — ^just such 
a friend as ignorant, suffering man needed — and to be re- 
quited thus 1 Till now I had never seen sin in its hateful- 
ness, and I felt myself a sinner.'* 

For four years longer, till he was sixteen, he struggled 
in the mysteries of Calvinism ; hoping, if he was one of 
the elect, God would impart the evidence of it in a needed 
and desired regeneration. A revival occurring, he sought 
the coveted relief. At last, he was thoroughly aroused by 
the words of Jesus, Matt, xii: 36, 37: ** I say unto you, 
that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give 
account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy 
words thoushalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt 
be condemned.** He fled for refuge to the hope of the 
gospel. He was baptized May 19, 1816, by Elder Joshua 
Wood worth, and united with the Baptist church, of which 
his parents were members, 

December 20, 18 18, he married Miss Mary McCollum, 
and settled on new lands in Austintown. In the midst 
of his work his zeal did not relax. When the church in 
Youngstown ran down, he took membership in Canfield. 
He studied the Scriptures diligently, and was ready always 
to give a '* reason for the hope that was ii;i him.'* I quote 
from his own pen : ''I had heard some time before of one 
Alexander Campbell. I had read a sermon from his pen, 
and now in October, 1821, he was to preach in Warren, 
and I resolved to hear him. He was then thirty-three 
years of age, the sharpest man I ever saw, both in appear- 
ance and in intellect, and I confess I was afraid he might 
lead us astray. His first sermon was from the text, * Thy 



1/8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

kingdom come.* I soon saw what he meant to make 
out, and I did not mean to believe him ; but I could not 
help believing him. He showed that the kingdom had 
come. At that meeting, which was for the mutual im- 
provement of the preachers, he made several remarks, 
which were new and startling, and of infinite use to me. 
He said ^ the true disciple of Christ will follow the truth 
wherever it leads.' Upon a moment's reflection, I saw 
there was no safety in doing otherwise. I resolved that 
whatever the truth would make me, I would endeavor to 
be. A second was, * you will notice the apostles in 
preaching the gospel never said one word about election.' 
I saw this was true. But then I thought, what is the gos- 
pel? I soon saw if the gospel can be preached without 
election, so can it without any of the ' five points.' " 

A person with so tenacious and energetic a mind could 
not abandon the cherished system of Calvinism without a 
great struggle. His ^^ Christian experience " had to be 
analyzed, and every impression and feeling traced to its 
cause. But the truth that faith comes by hearing the testi- 
mony of God was revolutionary, and he did not rest till 
it had gained in his mind the complete ascendency. 
Every number of the Christian Baptist was thoroughly 
sifted. No wonder, then, that after seven years of so 
thorough a schooling he was ready, at the call of the asso- 
ciation, to enter unhesitatingly into the work of teaching 
the true gospel to the world. His own struggles, and his 
complete mastery of his own difficulties, prepared him to 
relieve others from similar doubts and scruples. 

In May, 1828, the church of Canfield gave him license 
as a preacher of the gospel. * In October following, after 
his call to ride with Scott, he was ordained, in his own 
church of Austintown, of which he was then a member 
and leader, by brethren Scott and Bentley. 

From this time his labors were double those of most 
men. Working with his own hands as much as other 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1/9 

men, and yet more in his saddle than most preachers. 
For twenty-five years he was absent from his own home on 
an average two hundred and forty days and nights each 
year. His industry was proverbial. He was incessant in 
preaching, teaching, and conversation — in public and in 
private. He created openings — occupied them, and when 
others could be found to hold the positions, he broke new 
ground. He was the first man and the chief operator in 
raising up the churches in Ravenna, Aurora, Shalersville, 
Akron, Royalton, Warrensville, Solon, and Russell, and 
several others. 

The following from his pen, written near the close of his 
life, is worthy of careful attention : 

*'I perceived within six months of the beginning of 
my labors the necessity of system in our operations, of 
which we had none — measures to call out and prepare 
fit men to preach and teach, and to take care of the con- 
verts — measures to insure a reasonable support for such 
men — measures to secure harmony of action among the 
preachers, and for holding the ground already gained. I 
spoke of all these interests to all the brethren; but there 
was only one man who seemed to perceive any sense in 
what I had to say, and that was Jacob Osborne, one of the 
most wise, prudent, and godly men we ever had among us ; 
and he died in May, 1829. For twenty years I urged 
these things, but they received no encouragement. I was 
astonished that all could not see the indispensable neces- 
sity of a matter so in accordance with common sense, and 
the demands of every-day experience ; for the want of 
which so many of our churches are languishing almost to 
dissolution. 

'^ After twenty years hardship, toiling against wind and 
tide, my brother A. S. Hayden and I resolved that we 
would lay before the brotherhood the expediency of found- 
ing an institution of learning — the Eclectic Institute— at 



l80 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Hiram. It took with the people, and has accomplished 
much in many ways. 

'* Isaac Errett responded to the appeal uncompromis- 
ingly to aid in getting an association of churches for the 
purpose of missionary operations on the Western Reserve. 
Shortly after, in 1852, the Ohio State Missionary Society 
was organized. It works well, and is likely to live and 
prosper ; for the brethren are forced to see, after so long 
a time, the need of united action. But, oh how much the 
cause of Christ has lost ! and how many have died igno- 
rant of the gospel ! and how many more will, for not hav- 
ing had a good system of management from the com- 
mencement ! 

'^But now my labors are about ended, and I am be- 
ginning to see the brethren act like men of common 
sense. One whole generation has passed away, and we 
are not quite ready to begin to act with efficiency in this 
great work of showing our contemporaries the true gospel 
in contradistinction from the speculations of men about 
the gospel. Until the true gospel is honored by its 
friends, it will not be heard so as to be understood ; and, 
until it is understood, faith that justifies will be supposed 
to come by prayer and the mysterious work of the Spirit ; 
and while that is so, the evidence of prophecy and mira- 
cle will not be taught the people. Consequently, igno- 
rance, unbelief, division, and iniquity will abound, as it 
is at this day. 

''No man has labored so wisely and so successfully as 
Alexander Campbell, to show the true gospel and its evi- 
dences, and how men become Christians, since the great 
apostasy commenced ; and almost no man appreciates his 
labors ! He has left nothing to be done by any other re- 
former who may come after him ; and I fear it will be 
another generation before those who acknowledge him a 
reformer will organize, so as to be as efficient as all other 
people are in conducting their affairs.** 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. l8l 

• 

His teaching on the whole question of conversion, was 
so clear and thorough, few who heard him candidly 
failed to see the difference between the teaching of the 
Scriptures on this important subject, and the mystic 
theories of regeneration which bewilder the mind and per- 
plex the conscience. His converts were, therefore, thor- 
ough and decided, like himself. One of these, Jewett 
Frost, of Richfield, could not rest till his brother and 
other friends in Riga, New York, should hear the same 
truth. At his instance, Wm. Hayden went into that State 
in 1832, and afterward, alone or in company with others, 
he made many and extensive trips in most of the Western 
counties of the Empire State, and in Canada, where he 
powerfully proclaimed the gospel, and rendered the most 
efficient service in establishing the cause of reformation. 
In western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and in all the region 
of North-east Ohio his pioneer labors laid the foundations 
for others to build upon. Some of his most stirring and 
profitable tours were into Michigan and Wisconsin ; so that 
from Syracuse to the Mississippi River, and from Canada 
to Virginia, he *^ fully preached the gospel of Christ.'* 

The following account of him is from the Millennial 
Harbinger, to which it was sent by the writer, 1863, just 
after his death: 

During his ministry of thirty-five years he travded 
ninety thousand miles, full sixty thousand of which he 
made on horseback — that is, by this mode of travel — 
a distance of more than twice around the world ! The 
baptisms by his own hands were twelve hundred and 
seven. He preached over nine thousand sermons, that is, 
over two hundred and sixty one discourses per annum for 
every year of the thirty-five years of his public life. He 
once preached over fifty sermons in the month of Novem- 
ber alone. Besides all these pulpit services, his private 
labors were abundant and incessant. He had a peculiar 
turn for winning attention, and imparting instruction in 



1 82 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

• 

the social circle, mingling the humor that charms with 
the experience which teaches. Few could relish or relate 
an anecdote better, or apply one more appropriately for 
purposes of illustration. Yet he never indulged in re- 
citals of any in which the adorable Name, or any of the 
titles of the Most High, were even playfully, much less 
irreverently, introduced ; a practice against which he bore 
frequent and forcible testimony. 

His mental powers were most rapid and energetic in 
action. His method of reasoning tended to generaliza- 
tion, embracing a great variety of subject and method. 
Though not educated, in a scholastic sense, his taste, dis- 
cernment, and industry very fully supplied this deficiency, 
and stored his mind with much general information and 
critical historical learning. The master quality of his 
mind was his almost matchless memory — memory, both 
of history and chronology. He made no memoranda of 
his sermons, yet he could report at any time, promptly and 
accurately, the number of his discourses, baptisms, and 
multitudes of incidents, and all without pen or pencil to 
aid him. It were vanity, perhaps, to assign him a place 
in this respect with Macaulay or Johnson ; but all who 
knew him wondered at his power — a power which was at 
his command, with undiminished force, up to the hour of 
his death. In his character were chiefly discernible firm- 
ness, decision, boldness in enterprise, and sturdy honesty. 
He was eminently social and hospitable, compassionate 
and kind-hearted. His religion was conscience and rev- 
erence; his humanity, a tender and systematic benevo- 
lence. He gave freely for humane, religious, and educa- 
tional objects. 

More than a year previous to his death, he was afflicted 
with a gradual weakening of the muscles, which pervaded 
the whole system, aflecting his speech in common with 
every other muscular action. Without pain, and with the 
full exercise of his mental powers, he died at his home. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 183 

at Chagrin Falls, easily and tranquilly, in full nope of 
immortality, April 7, 1863, in the sixty-fourth year of his 
age. 

Expectation of the Millennium. 

The ardor of religious awakening resulting from 
the new discoveries in the gospel was very much in- 
creased about the year 1830, by the hope that the 
millennium had now dawned, and that the long ex- 
pected day of gospel glory would very soon be ushered 
in. The restoration of the ancient gospel was looked 
upon as the initiatory movement, which, it was 
thought, would spread so rapidly that existing denom- 
inations would almost immediately be deorganized ; 
that the true people^ of whom it was believed Christ 
had a remnant among the sects, would at once, on the 
presentation of these evidently scriptural views, em- 
brace them, and thus form the union of Christians so 
long prayed for ; and so would be established the 
Kingdom of Jesus in form, as well as in fact, on its 
New Testament basis. All the powers in array against 
this newly established kingdom, whether in the 
churches of Protestantism or Romanism, would soon 
surrender at the demand of the King of kings. 

The prospect was a glorious one, springing very 
naturally from the discovery of the complete adapta- 
tion of the gospel to the ends for which it was given. 
This hope of the millennial glory was based on many 
passages of the Holy Scriptures. All such scrip- 
tures as spoke of the " ransomed of the Lord return- 
ing to ^ion, with songs and everlasting joy upon 
their heads : that they should obtain joy and glad- 
ness, and that sorrow and sighing should flee away,'' 
(Isa. XXXV : 10,) were confidently expected to be liter- 



1 84 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ally and almost immediately fulfilled. These glowing 
expectations formed the staple of many sermons. 
They were the continued and exhaustless topic of 
conversations. They animated the hope, and inspired 
the zeal, to a high degree, of the converts, and many 
of the advocates of the gospel. Millennial hymns were 
learned and sung with a joyful fervor and hope sur- 
passing the conception of worldly and carnal pro- 
fessors. One of these hymns, better in its hope than 
poetic merit, opened as follows : 

" The time is soon coming by the prophets foretold, 
When Zion in purity the world will behold, 
For Jesus' pure testimony will gain the day, 
Denominations, selfishness will vanish away." 

The Scriptures, especially the prophetic writings, 
were studied with unremitting diligence and profound 
attention. It is surprising even now, as memory re- 
turns to gather up these interesting remains of that 
mighty work, to recall the thorough and extensive 
Bible knowledge which the converts quickly obtained. 
Nebuchadnezzar's vision of the four great monarchies, 
with the accompanying vision of the kingdom of the 
stone (Dan'l ii) and the visions of that prophet 
himself (chapters 7 and 8), became generally familiar, 
and were, in the main, it is presumed, correctly un- 
derstood. Many portions of the Revelation were so 
thoroughly studied that they became the staple of the 
common thought. The '* two witnesses," their slaugh- 
ter, their resurrection after three and a half days ; 
their ascent in clouds to heaven in the sight of their 
enemies ; the woman that fled into the desert from 
the flood of persecution poured out to engulf her ; 
her abode and nourishment there for a **time, times 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 85 

and the dividing of time ; '* her blissful return from 
her wildnerness retreat, and the prophetic acclaim : 
" Who is this that comes from the wilderness lean- 
ing on the arm of her beloved, fair as the sun, clear- 
as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners?*' 
all these and many others constituted a novel and 
voluminous addition to the stinted Bible knowledge 
and the stereotyped style of sermonizing which then 
prevailed. 

Some of the leaders in these new discoveries, ad- 
vancing less cautiously as the ardor of discovery in- 
creased, began to form theories of the millennium. 
The fourteenth chapter of Zechariah was brought for- 
ward in proof — all considered as literal — that the most 
marvelous and stupendous physical and climatic 
changes were to be wrought in Palestine ; and that 
Jesus Christ the Messiah was to reign, literally " in 
Jerusalem and in Mt. Zion, and before his ancients, 
gloriously." The glory and splendors of that august 
millennial kingdom were to surpass all vision, as the 
light of the moon was to be made equal to the light 
of the sun, and the light of the sun would be aug- 
mented " sevenfold." William Hayden went to New 
Lisbon to fill an appointment. Calling at Bro. 
Jacob Campbell's, we found Bro. Scott. Mrs. Camp- 
bell was a Christian lady of much brilliancy of talent, 
and intelligent in the Holy Scriptures. Salutations 
over, she broke forth in an animated strain : " Bro. 
Scott and I have just been contemplating how joy- 
ful it will be in the millennium — mortals and immor- 
tals dwelling together ! " Bro. Scott then, with great 
fluency, discanted upon the prophecies of Jeremiah 
and Ezekiel, relating to the return of the Jews and 
16 



1 86 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

their re-establishment in the Holy Land, the coming 
of the Lord, the resurrection of the saints, and the 
gathering together unto him on the Mount of Olives. 
Scott had a vein of enthusiasm, to which these mil- 
lennial prospects were very congenial. He was led on 
in the brilliant expectations by the writings of Elias 
Smith, of New England, whose works had fallen into 
his hands. In a letter to Dr. Richardson, written in 
New Lisbon, April, 1830, he says the book of Elias 
Smith, on the prophecies, is the only sensible work on 
that subject he had seen. He thinks this and Croly on 
the Apocalypse all the student of the Bible wants. 
He strongly commends Smith's book to the Doctor. 
This seems to be the origin of millennial views among 
us. Rigdon, who always caught and proclaimed the 
last word that fell from the lips of Scott or Campbell, 
seized these views, and with the wildness of his ex- 
travagant nature, heralded them every-where. 

These hopes were much confirmed and increased 
by the publication, about this time, of ** Begg on the 
Prophecies," a small, but vigorous and confident work, 
excessively literal, by James Begg, of Paisley, Scotland. 
A cheap edition of it was brought out by the author s 
brother, William Begg, a recent convert from the 
Presbyterians. The announcement and favorable 
notice of this work in the " Millennial Harbinger," 
together with the taste for such reading now preva- 
lent, introduced this book widely, and it became a 
powerful auxiliary of the doctrines and aided to crys- 
tallize them into definite theory. About the same 
time appeared the essays on the millennium, by 
S. M. McCorkle, a "sturdy layman." His trum- 
pet blew no uncertain sound. Its blast was fierce 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 87 

and fiery as the noise of the ram's horns around the 
walls of Jericho. His essays, which were published 
in the " Millennial Harbinger," produced a wonderful 
effect. Many thought the day of the Lord just at 
hand. They prayed for it, looked for it, sung of it. 
The set time to favor Zion had come. The day of re- 
demption was near. It only awaited the complete pu- 
rification of his church — which meant the removal of 
sects and the union of Christians on the ** Bible alone." 
Preaching against '* sectarianism " was now more 
frequent and vehement. The legitimate and needed 
work of preaching the gospel of Christ, and of cor- 
recting the errors which lie directly in its way and 
impede its progress, was not abandoned, but more 
attention was now bestowed on the task, assumed as 
necessary, of clearing off the whole body of sectari- 
anism. *' Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, 
take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my 
people." Isa. Ivii : 14. This was the text of many a 
sermon. The sects, it was assumed, are the stum- 
bling-blocks in the way of the chariot of the coming 
king. This assault on the denominationalism of the 
times, by which Christians are separated from one 
another, is so nearly in line with the true work of the 
restoration of primitive Christianity, that this mis- 
take of its purpose was very easy. Yet the difference 
is neither small nor unimportant. It is one thing to 
introduce light into an apartment, and thus remove 
the darkness, and quite another to attack the dark- 
ness hoping to remove it and thus make way for the 
light. This reformation, so called, is not a negation — 
a mere protest against sectarianism. This is not 
its prime, or originating impulse. It is a plea for the 



1 88 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Christian religion as a whole. Its defenses are de- 
fenses of Christ, of his apostles, of their authority, 
their claims and their teachings, as set forth in the 
volume of inspiration. If obstacles are in its way, 
it seeks their removal, whether they be Protestant, 
Romanish, Jewish, or Mohammedan. But these are 
resultant and consequential to its primary and direct 
aim, and not for a moment to be confounded with it. 

Many sagacious brethren perceived with regret 
the new turn things were taking, and rightly judg- 
ing that these Millennial theories would not tend to 
develop the work so auspiciously begun, but rather 
divert the minds of the people from it, they began 
prudently and cautiously to correct the aberration, 
and draw attention away from untaught questions and 
visionary anticipations of the future to the real pur- 
poses of the work of Christ now on hand, the preach- 
ing of the gospel for the salvation of sinners, and 
building up of the saints on the most holy faitb. 
Some supposed Mr. Campbell to be in sympathy with 
these views ; and, indeed, some plausibility was lent 
to this opinion by the title of his new periodical, 
" The Millennial Harbinger." 

Mr. Campbell, whose eye was fully open to all, was 
not slow to perceive all this, and he felt called to un- 
dertake the needed correction. He commenced, in 
the "Millennial Harbinger," for Sept., 1834, a series 
of articles under the title of " The Reformed Clergy- 
man," which, while they held McCorkle's essays on 
the literal interpretation of prophecy directly in re- 
view, had for their aim the wider purpose of correct- 
ing the errors entertained and propagated to the det- 
riment of the practical work of the gospel. These 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 89 

essays were written with marked ability. They im- 
mediately arrested universal attention, and were read 
every-where. For prudential reasons the writer sought 
to veil his style, evidently desiring that no bias might 
be given to his reasonings from personal considerations. 
Their drift and aim were soon discovered ; and the 
positions assumed, and rules of prophetic interpreta- 
tion set forth, were so consistent and evenly balanced, 
that the " second sober thought " coming to the res- 
cue, the effect was salutary and the remedy complete. 
Mr. Campbell's non de plume of ** Reformed Clergy- 
man,*' was not to all a concealment of the real author 
of the essays. His style betrayed him ; and it was 
amusing to hear the discussions — the hints and guesses 
on the subject of their authorship, and the merits of 
the essays themselves — which were carried on with 
Mr. Campbell and by others in his presence, before 
he was suspected as the writer of them. A sagacious 
Scotch lady, in the city of Pittsburgh, of great posi- 
tiveness, berated him soundly for his indiscretion in 
permitting that " Reformed Clergyman " to publish 
such erroneous doctrines in his paper. My eyes 
stole over Mr. Campbell's face the while, and from the 
tokens there I saw, first and plainly, a confession of 
their authorship. The hits and jibes were sharp as 
from a polished quiver, and somewhat rude, withal 
It was matter of much joy to many when this result 
was reached, and the brethren began to turn their 
thoughts and talents more directly to the preaching 
of the gospel. Among them, William Hayden should 
be named, as he saw and sorely felt the evil, but had 
not power to stay the tide ; and, in like manner, others 
who saw not the evil tendency so plainly, now that 



igO EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the remedy had wrought its cure, could see more 
clearly than ever the importance of adhering closely 
to the plain New Testament teachings, taking Christ 
as the only interpreter of type, shadows, and prophecy 
in the Old Testament ; and the inspired apostles as 
the divinely authorized and commissioned interpre- 
ters of Christ. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 19I 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The Church in Mentor; and Biography of M, S. Clapp and other 
Advocates of the Gospel. 

FOR several years previous to the establishment 
of the reformatory doctrines in Mentor, there 
had been a Baptist church in town, considerable 
both for numbers and influence. It had Elders 
Woodworth, West, Abbott, and Freeman as its min- 
isters. Near the time of the appeal for the union of 
Bible men on Bible ground, it was served by the 
good Warner Goodall. His death, in June, 1826, 
was the occasion of calling Sidney Rigdon, then re- 
siding in Bainbridge, to preach his funeral sermon. 
The church called Rigdon as its pastor in the fall of 
that year. 

During the winter of 1825-6, Corbly Martin, who 
became extensively useful in the reformation in Ohio 
and Indiana, resided in the hospitable family of 
Judge Clapp, a prominent member of the church. 
Bro. Martin preached there during that season. A 
conversation between him and a Mrs. Rexford is re- 
ported, in which she urged the practice of " close 
communion" in the church as an objection to her 
becoming a member. He failed to remove her ob- 
jection, and she remained to be a first convert when 
the gospel offering a free salvation to all who would 
receive it was first proclaimed in Mentor. 

Sidney Rigdon was an orator of no inconsiderable 



192 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

abilities. In person, he was full medium height, 
rotund in form ; of countenance, while speaking, open 
and winning, with a little cast of melancholy. His 
action was graceful, his language copious, fluent in 
utterance, with articulation clear and musical. Yet 
he was an enthusiast, and unstable. His personal 
influence with an audience was very great ; but 
many, with talents far inferior, surpassed him in 
judgment and permanent power with the people. 
He was just the man for an awakening. He was an 
early reader of the " Christian Baptist," and admiring 
its strong and progressive teaching, he circulated 'the 
paper, and brought out its views in his sermons. 
Whatever may be justly said of him after he had 
surrendered himself a victim and a leader of the 
Mormon delusion, it would scarcely be just to deny 
sincerity and candor to him, previous to the time 
when his bright star became permanently eclipsed 
under that dark cloud. 

In March, 1828, he visited Scott in Warren. He 
had been with him on former occasions, and had 
adopted' fully his method of preaching Christ, and 
of calling the awakened and penitent believer to an 
immediate obedience of his faith for the remission 
of sins. The missing link between Christ and con- 
victed sinners seemed now happily supplied by the 
restoration of the way of bringing converts into the 
knowledge of pardon, which was established by 
Christ himself in the commission. 

Rigdon was transported with this discovery. On 
leaving Warren to return to Mentor, he persuaded 
his brother-in-law, Adamson Bentley, to accompany 
him. This was a visit to that town of no ordi- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I93 

nary importance. Bentley was a gentleman of cul- 
tivated manners, tall, of benign aspect, and of com- 
manding presence ; and, as a preacher, dignified, 
solemn, and often very impressive. But more, they 
were both ablaze with the new developments of gos- 
pel light which was shedding its effulgence rapidly 
over the country. 

The trumpet which they blew gave no uncertain 
sound. It was the old jubilee trumpet, first sounded 
by the fishermen of Galilee on the day of Pentecost, 
announcing glad tidings to the nations that the 
year of release from bondage in sin had now come, 
and calling ransomed sinners to return, freely par- 
doned, to their homes. They spoke with authority, 
for the word which they delivered was not theirs, 
but that of Jesus Christ. The whole community 
was quickly and thoroughly aroused. Many turned 
to the Lord. The first person to accept the offered 
boon and lead the people to Christ, was an intelli- 
gent young man, M. S. Clapp, then in his twenty-first 
year, son of Judge Clapp. His older brother, Thomas 
J. Clapp, had been baptized in June previous. 
Twenty persons were baptized the first time they re- 
paired to the Jordan. The immediate result of the 
meeting was the conversion of over fifty souls to the 
Lord Jesus. 

It is impossible to describe the agitation of the 
public mind. The things which they heard were so 
new, yet so clearly scriptural, that, while some hes- 
itated and many wondered, they could not gainsay 
it ; and nearly the whole church accepted cordially 
the doctrine of the Lord, exchanged their " articles " 
for the new covenant as the only divine basis for 
17 



194 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Christ's church, and abandoned unscriptural titles and 
church names, choosing to be known simply as the 
disciples of Christ. 

From Mentor they went to Kirtland, where almost 
an equal ingathering awaited them. The fields were 
white for the harvest. At the first baptizing here, 
twenty souls were lifted into the kingdom. Others 
followed, and soon the numbers so increased that a 
separate organization became a necessity — so might- 
ily prevailed the word of the Lord. 

The news of this great overturn spread quickly 
through the country, up and down the lake shore. 
Bentley went to Painesville. The rumor of the re- 
vival in Mentor preceded him, with some exagger- 
ated and perverted accounts of the preaching. He 
delivered a few discourses on the first principles of 
the gospel, and left them to leaven the minds of his 
hearers. 

The church now contained over a hundred mem- 
bers. The following were prominent ; many of whom 
became leaders of the host, and pillars in churches. 
The head of the family is named. Their wives, and 
generally their families, were also in the church : 
Deacon Benj. Blish, Deacon Ebenezer Nye, Orris 
Clapp, Jonathan Root, Joel Rexford, Thomas Carroll, 
Asa Webster, Sidney Rigdon, Deacon Champney, 
Amos Wilmot, Os^ee Matthews, Eggleston Matthews, 
Joseph Curtis, Anson Matthews, Sylvester Durand, 

Tuttle, Warren Corning, Amos Daniels, 

Samuel Miller, Ezra B. Violl, Noah Wirt, David 
Wilson, Danl. Wilson, Alex. P. Jones. To these are 
to be added, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Randall, Mrs. Water- 
man, Mrs. Rexford, Calista M. Lewis, Morgan Lewis. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. I95 

Few communities have been so stable ; the families 
here named have composed the staple of member- 
ship, and the support of the church from that time to 
the present. This congregation has long stood as a 
light-house. It was shaken as by a tempest under 
"the outbreak of Mormonism ; but it is to be noted 
that few of its members were led astray. While the 
church in Kirtland, with less experience, and more 
immediately in Rigdon's power, became engulphed, 
and has never since been recovered, the church in 
Mentor, with stronger material, withstood the shock. 
They were much aided in their resistance by the 
presence of Elder Thomas Campbell, who spent sev- 
eral months there and in the vicinity during the ag- 
itation which it produced. 

Bro. M. S. Clapp came rapidly before the publiC; 
and soon attained prominence by his zeal and ability. 
In the year 1834, Bro. E. Williams was settled as 
pastor and elder, with Benj. Blish. He served the 
congregation, yet preaching much abroad, till his re- 
moval to Chardon, in 1856. Bro. Blish not only won, 
but retained the fullest confidence, not of the church 
only, but of the whole community, for his prudence 
in management, his judicious counsels, and godly 
life. After having won the crown, he died univer- 
sally beloved, February, 1864. 

Her long-time laborers were brethren Clapp and 
Williams. But a page would scarcely hold the names 
of all who have gleaned in this harvest-field. Few 
churches have possessed a membership of more abil- 
ity. In a community noted for its social culture, it 
has maintained its position with credit. For integ- 
rity, benevolence, and as a leader in the cause of 



196 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

temperance, antislavery, and measures that look to 
the lifting up of the world from wrong and oppres- 
sion, no brotherhood has a brighter record. 

Three preachers arose in Mentor, whose names are 
known afar — M. S. Clapp, A. P. Jones, and J. J. 
Moss. Bro. Moss was in the employ of Bro. B. Blish, 
in the summer of 1829. Raised in Presbyterianism, 
he had a spasm of horror when he learned that he 
had engaged himself to work for a very leader of the 
new and hated heresy of ** Campbellism." The first 
evening, greatly to his surprise, as he had been told 
" Campbellites " never prayed, Bro. Blish gathered his 
household, with the word of God in every hand 
But Moss, still doubting, stood bolt upright, while 
all around him knelt. The service, so simple, sin- 
cere and earnest, melted his heart. Ashamed of his 
prejudice, the next time he joined, and knelt, and 
prayed. His Bible was now read while others 
loitered. He soon heard Bro. Collins. His acute, 
quick mind saw, understood, and grasped the im- 
mense difference between all forms of sect-organiza- 
tion, and the simple, entire system of Christianity 
as a whole. The sun was now risen upon his under- 
standing, and the twinkling lights of Babel-sectarian- 
ism faded. September, 1829, he came to Christ, and 
was baptized into his name, which, with him, meant 
the entire consecration of all his powers to his honor. 
The thousands by him turned to God in Ohio, New 
York, Canada, Kentucky, and other States, attest the 
fidelity of his heart to that plighted vow. A history 
of his life would fill a volume. He was the first man 
to raise a testimony against Mormonism. With the 
elements of character for pioneer work, he has, to an 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 97 

extent which can be affirmed of few men, extended 
the limits of the kingdom into new regions, and de- 
fended it in the arena of controversy against every 
form of assault, with a mastery and success above 
the reach of most men. He has not always had the 
gratitude of those whom he has served, nor the 
support of the churches he has planted. He was 
born July 13, 1806, in Onondaga, N. Y., and after 
forty-five years of toil and privations, he is still in 
the field. 

Bro. A. P. Jones, equally bold and with more learn- 
ing, was his true yoke-fellow. They were both teach- 
ing in the vicinity of Kirtland, when Mormonism in- 
vaded the place, and hand in hand, though young, they 
often put its champions to flight. Bro. Jones married 
Miss Irene Gilbert, of Newburg, and soon afterwards 
he gave himself to the service of the new churches 
in western New York, where his name is still cher- 
ished with great respect. He finally settled in 
Platteville, Grant County, Wisconsin, where he 
preached for several years. He has recently fallen 
asleep in the Lord. 

Biography of Matthew S. Clapp. 

If *^a good man's steps are ordered of the Lord,'* as 
says the prophet, *^his death also is precious in His 
sight." 

Bro. Clapp was bom in Mentor, February i, 1808. His 
father, the late Hon. Orris Clapp, was called by his fel- 
low-citizens to serve as Judge of the Court ; which trust he 
discharged, with honor. Matthew's early life was passed 
amidst the scenes and privation of that early day. His 



198 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

boyhood passed during the war of 181 2-14 and the years 
subsequent, when the chivalrous anecdotes and the mili- 
tary deeds of that stirring history formed the staple of 
conversation of the times. With eager ear and acute 
mind, he caught up the recitals of those exploits and deeds 
of valor — a discipline for achievements on a far different 
field. 

In March, 1828, in the great religious awakening in 
Mentor, under Bentley and Rigdon, the amiable M. S. 
Clapp was the first to yield. He was baptized by Bro. 
Bentley. Many predicted for him a bright course as a 
herald of the gospel. The late venerable Thomas Camp- 
bell fully confirmed his purpose to devote his talents to 
the ministry of the Word. Under this devout and su- 
perior man, Clapp began his study of the classics. He 
availed himself of whatever aids were within his reach, 
yet in this instance the student was himself the chief 
teacher. His application was so complete, that he be- 
came not only a respectable Greek scholar, but also a good 
Latinist. During all these studies he was preaching, vis- 
iting the newly-founded churches, and increasing the 
number of the converts. 

In the fall of 1830, he married Miss Alicia Campbell, 
sister of Alexander Campbell. This proved a happy 
union. He spent some time in Bethany, West Virginia, 
where he diligently improved the favorable opportunities 
which he found in Mr. CampbelFs family, for enriching 
his stores of knowledge, and for forming acquaintance 
with gentlemen of education, who were almost constantly 
guests in Bro. Campbell's family. He also resided a year 
or more in West Middletown, Pennsylvania, with Mat- 
thew McKeever, Esq., another brother-in-law, while 
'^ Father and Mother Campbell,'' models of gentleness, 
dignity and Christian excellence, were in their full ripe- 
ness and strength, sitting as king and queen amidst the 
family. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 1 99 

After this short episode, he returned to Mentor, which 
became his permanent abode. He continued his public 
labors, visiting weak communities of brethren, receiving 
little compensation, often none, for his labors. From 
necessity, quite as much as from choice, he resorted at 
times to farming, interlacing its labors with his public 
duties. Experience proved to him as it has to thousands, 
that the world will not pay for its own reformation ; that 
the pioneer advocate of new and revolutionary principles 
must go forth, like the martyr-apostles, suffering and to 
suffer. 

Bro. Clapp saw — rightly saw — in the Christian religion 
the germs of all good to man in this world, as well as the 
sure and only basis for hope hereafter. Every attack upon 
its claims he was consequently prompt to repel. Jesus of 
Nazareth was the Son of Man, as well as the Son of God, 
and he lived for the good of the world in every possible 
condition. As a friend to his race he must defend the 
Lord Jesus, the helper of the poor, the Savior of the 
world. So when a shrewd, young, accomplished, eloquent, 
lawyer in Elyria, Joel Tiffany, Esq., walked into the 
arena, and threw down the glove, M. S. Clapp took his 
*^ sling and five smooth stones gathered from the brook,*' 
and stood before the boaster. He so fully exposed the 
dark counsels of atheistic sophistry, that Mr. Tiffany de- 
clared at the close of the discussion, '* It is the last time 
I will ever stand in opposition to the Christian religion.*' 
And it was. Soon after he was baptized in Elyria, and 
became a quasi member of the Episcopal church. 

His happiness in his family was not suffered to continue 
without interruption. A sad day came. He looked for the 
last time on the living form of his excellent companion. 
One by one all the children of his first marriage went be- 
fore him down to rest. The last of them, Campbell 
Clapp, was killed in the State of New York, by the falling 
of a cattle train through a defective bridge. He was a 



200 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

young man of much promise. A large concourse attended 
his funeral services in Mentor. 

April 26, 1840, he married Miss Lucy A. Randall, of 
Mentor, a union whose felicity was not marred or broken 
till the last sad stroke which left her a widow, and her four 
living children without a paternal head. The winter after 
their marriage they spent in Pompey, Onondaga County, 
New York, laboring in the gospel. The friendship they 
established there with many of the citizens continued 
through life. The next season he spent, by invitation, 
preaching for the church in the city of New York. Here 
his skill as a^peacemaker found scope for useful exercise. 
His ministrations for good were signally blessed, less in 
gathering many into the fold than in purifying and regu- 
lating the fold itself. His friends, Drs. Eleazer and Sam- 
uel Parmly, received him with marked and merited hos- 
pitality. His residence in the great commercial metropo- 
lis was a bright and useful epoch in his history. While in 
the city, he received instructions in Hebrew under Sexias, 
a Hebraist of note, the very same son of x\braham who 
came to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1830, and instructed the Mor- 
mons in the ** unknown tongues,'* the boasted proof of 
inspiration of the disciples of Smith, and the marvel of 
many well-duped outsiders. 

It should be noted that Bro. Clapp was not a clergyman 
in any restricted or exclusive sense. His eye was open 
to the widest views. He was ready to second all legiti- 
mate measures for the elevation and amelioration of men 
in all departments of society. With him the pulpit was 
not a theological chest, or box, containing a few well as- 
sorted and labeled wares to be cried on sale. It was 
rather a veritable throne of power, and the incumbent 
was bound to deal with all the active, moral questions that 
affect society. Hence his early, and open, and uncon- 
querable opposition to intemperance. Hence, also, he 
stood out, when he had to stand quite alone, on the anti- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 201 

slavery question. Of these and kindred subjects he took 
the broadest views. The poorly-paid laborer, the unpaid 
seamstress, were objects of lively and sympathizing interest 
to him. He had faith in appeals to heaven for their re- 
dress; but with equal faith, he appealed to the benevo- 
lence and conscientiousness of men for their relief. So 
ardent were his feelings, so fixed his principles, that he 
took radical ground, and plead so uncompromisingly that 
at times he provoked the charge of ultraism. Yet no such 
charge moved him. His principles in regard to war were 
equally radical and decided. He opposed all war, at all 
times for any purpose. It is due him to say that all these 
great moral subjects he viewed from the Bible ground, 
and not as a partisan, or in coalition with any special or- 
ganization, social or civil. Yet his known opposition to 
war, slavery, and intemperance, brought him at times 
alongside persons whose advocacy of these reforms was 
prompted by no higher than merely temporal, and some- 
times selfish, considerations. 

It was his conviction that he could serve these great ends 
in a wider and different field, which gained his consent 
to a nomination as candidate to the Legislature. The 
polls confirmed the nomination. His acceptance was 
upon a platform which, in his judgment, invited the play 
of his principles on a grander stage. He returned from 
Columbus conscious of having performed his duties faith- 
fully, and satisfied with the general approval of his con- 
stituency. 

The last few years of his life he spent in Detroit, 
preaching, and in various ways shedding the light and 
warmth of his genial and religious nature on society around 
him. During the last year before his death, it became ap- 
parent that his ^'natural force was abated.'* As the prog- 
ress of his frailty rendered his departure an event more and 
more certainly near, the anchor of his hope maintained the 
steadiest hold on its deep fastenings in the Rock. The 



202 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

calmness of his mind was wonderful. ^' I do not ask 
you to pray for my recovery/' he said to his brethren, 
** but that with unfaltering trust and bright hope I may 
pass into the world of light. ' ' 

He had often expressed a feeling of the happiness it 
would afford him to be summoned away to the Lord just 
in the midst of the memorial scenes of the Lord's Supper. 
His thought was an accepted prayer. His departure to 
Jesus was on the Lord's day. One week before he died 
the brethren assembled in his room and partook with him 
the loaf of blessing. The next week, December 17th, at 
his request, they came again, and again the blessed Supper 
was administered. All bore witness of the deep earnest- 
ness of his devotions. His voice was almost too feeble 
for utterance. He spoke but little. All seemed aware 
that the messenger was at the door. The service ended ; 
scarcely had the communicant members reached their 
homes when the word came that he was at peace in Abra- 
ham's bosom. 

His remains, accompanied by his family and his friend, 
Colin Campbell, of Detroit, were brought to Mentor, the 
home of his childhood. Many of his early friends came 
and stood silently and sadly around him. Six preachers 
participated in the funeral services, when we consigned to 
the dust the remains of this patriotic citizen, this gener- 
ous friend and devoted preacher. 

He had nearly completed his sixty-fourth year. His 
memory was capacious, retentive, and peculiar. It was 
remarkable for its verbal power. It was richly stored with 
the exact language of the Holy Scriptures. From his co- 
pious stores he could draw with great readiness and cor- 
rectness. His scholarship in general history, and es- 
pecially in English literature, was very complete. He had 
read with care the standard poets, and was familiar with 
the opinions of the leading critics on most subjects of in- 
terest. His own. taste, critical and chaste, furnished him 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 20$ 

a style in writing and public address, correct, pure, and 
expressive. He was often ornate, sometimes eloquent, but 
never pompous nor declamatory. 

His manners were simple, dignified, urbane, courteous 
to inferiors, respectful to all. His conversation and his 
speeches were marked by delicacy, flavored with wit and 
anecdote, always pure, and manifested great liberality of 
views. His piety and honesty held sway supreme among 
his qualities of character. Sometimes his ardor led him 
to undue bounds — but none could feel more keenly the 
excess, or make amends more heartily when convinced of 
overstepping the limits of prudence. 

Few men among us were more widely known or more 
sincerely respected. For him no monument is needed, 
especially in his own dear family, where he is embalmed 
in the tenderest and most durable affection. 

When the call was sounded for a return to Jerusa- 
lem and Pentecost, it called out many noble advo- 
cates. Some of them had "professed religion,*' as 
the phrase ran, but they lay in spiritual torpor under 
the confused and bewildering exhibitions of Chris- 
tianity which they were accustomed to hear. When 
they saw the gospel scheme, the Bible became intel- 
ligible ; and under the impulse of their joy at the 
discovery, they "did run to bring the disciples 
word " of the clearer views of the gospel which gave 
them such joy. These men are worthy of a good 
record. 

In the fall of 182 1, William Waite, emigrated from 
Saratoga County, New York, on the head waters of 
the Susquehanna, and settled on the plateau since 
known as Waite Hill, in Willoughby. He and his 
wife were Baptists. His sons, Erastus and Alvan — 
the latter in his eighteenth year— had come in ad- 



204 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

vance, in February before. The next autumn, his 
son-in-law, Dexter Otis, in his twenty-eighth year, 
arrived and settled in Kirtland. Otis united with 
the Baptists under the preaching of Elder Steven- 
son, better satisfied with the scriptural mode of bap- 
tism, than with the creed and close communion, 
matters on which his mind was never at rest. El- 
der Goodall came to Waite Hill, baptized Erastus 
Waite and others, and so arose a church in the Bap- 
tist order. When Elder T. Campbell came to 
Mentor, soon after, these brethren, E. Waite and D. 
Otis, were so delighted with the new light which 
beamed on the gospel from his preaching, that they 
pressed him to come to Waite Hill. His sermons 
made a marked impression, powerfully advancing the 
more liberal and correct views of the New Testa- 
ment order of things. Rigdon coming in about that 
time, and following up the well begun work by his 
earnest- and animating appeals, several were bap- 
tized, among whom was Alvan Waite, then in his 
twenty-sixth year. This was in 1829. In the same 
movement, and by the same hands, E. B. Violl, Sam- 
uel Miller, and Noah Wirt were brought into the 
kingdom. This was the beginning of the Church 
of Christ on Waite Hill. 

These men all made their mark. Dexter Otis 
was appointed overseer, and he soon began to preach. 
In 1835 he moved to the township of Chardon, and 
there gathered a church. It flourished while he 
lived — it declined at his death. He worked hard 
with his own hands, yet he was so diligent in study 
that he became a good Bible scholar, and was well 
informed in history as it relates to prophetic subjects. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 20$ 

liis candor was proverbial. He was conscientiously 
opposed to display in dress, and to all forms of pride, 
and was himself in these respects a consistent ex- 
ample. He was so humble, zealous, earnest, and in- 
structive in his lectures on Bible themes, that all 
heard him with delight. His speech, like his garb, 
was plain, but it went to the hearts of the people. 
He turned many from infidelity to the faith, and from 
sin to righteousness. His very useful life termi- 
nated March 15, 1845. His works follow him, and 
the memory of him is a fragrant odor in all that 
region. 

Equally useful, but a different type of manhood 
was Alvan Waite. He was a man of full size and 
manly form, a man of superior judgment and great 
weight of character. His timidity kept him in the 
shade, till strongly urged, especially by Bro. Otis, 
he took a bolder and more public stand for the gos- 
pel. All the rising churches around him felt the 
weight of his presence and edifying sermons. Can- 
dor, kindness, sincerity, and good sense prevailed in 
his instructive discourses. He was cheerful, hope- 
ful, and confiding. In 1844 he went with William 
Hayden, in a tour through western New York, in 
which he gained much respect for his affectionate 
manners, and his clear exhibitions of the truth. 
Soon after, consumption began to appear. In the 
summer of 1846, he journeyed to the new West in 
hope of recuperation, visiting the churches in north- 
ern Indiana and Lake County, Illinois, and helping 
them by his wise counsels. He steadily declined 
till May 20, 1847, when he passed in among the 
shining ones. He died at his home on Waite Hill, 



206 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

with his affectionate family, surrounded by many 
friends who mourned the loss of so useful a man. 

Ezra B. Violl who came to Christ with these no- 
ble men, and who was their close companion all the 
way, was still left in the field. He had consecrated 
the powers of intelligible speech and sound reason- 
ing, which God gave him, to the proclamation of his 
truth. He traveled into other counties, and was 
abundant in labors in his own regions. He was born 
in the year 1806. He turned to God in 1829, and 
began almost immediately to hold forth the word of 
life. He preached with great fervor, not only in 
Willoughby and Mentor — in Perry also, and Euclid, 
and is gratefully remembered in Camden and other 
towns in Lorain County. He served in the cam- 
paigns for about twenty years. He fell a victim to 
the fatal malady consumption, which terminated 
his days on the 9th of April, 185 1. He was visited 
near the time of his departure by Bro. M. S. Clapp, 
whose conversation cheered the feeble saint. Bro. 
Clapp said to him : " Bro. Violl, it must seem hard 
to you to leave the world in the midst of your life 
and usefulness, and to part with your kind and affec- 
tionate companion ! " " Yes, Bro. Clapp, it is hard in 
that view, but not so hard as you think. I used to 
think so when I was out there where you are ; but 
when you come in here where I am, you will not find 
it so hard ! " Strikingly coincident were the clos- 
ing scenes of these dear friends. In about twenty 
years, Bro. Clapp came by the same path in slow 
approaches to the dark stream. Perhaps he then 
thought of his friend ViolFs words, and had an ex- 
perience of their truth ! 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 20/ 

Samuel Miller, of the same church, was the peer 
of these noble men, in all that constitutes broad and 
generous manhood. His parents — John and Catha- 
rine Miller, came into Ohio when it was yet a terri- 
tory, from Gettysburg, Pa., a place now memorable 
in American history. They settled in Willoughby, 
where Samuel was born, August 30, 1802 ; the first 
white male child born in that town. The country 
was a wilderness, and the red man, with the game he 
chased, ranged the interminable forests. February 
26, 1828, he was married to Miss Maria Storm. He 
had been trained in the Lutheran church. When in 
1829, the great wave of religious reformation broke 
along the shore of the lake, he heard, examined, and 
with his usual independence, candor, and decision, 
he confessed the Lord ; his wife joining him in this 
consecration to Jesus Christ ; also Bro. Violl, Wirt, 
and others, who were his companions in the support 
of the gospel. When the overflowing scourge of 
Mormonism burst forth, these three men, with Otis 
and Waite, withstood the shock, though Rigdon 
himself, their leader to Christ, had reeled and fallen 
under its blow. 

Bro. Miller was distinguished for superior business 
capacity, great probity, and for his consistent and 
liberal benefactions. Hiram College and the Ohio 
Christian Missionary Society received liberal dona- 
tions from his hand. 

He lived to bow at the grave of nearly all who 
started with him in the gospel. As he saw the pain- 
ful disease leading him slowly and certainly to 
death, with wise forecast he made ample provision 
for the comfort of his faithful wife, and left the bal- 



208 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ance of his property in the hands of a faithful and 
competent Christian friend, A. Teachout, to be used 
for the gospel. Business done, his attentions were 
devoted to his friends as they came about him, and 
to contemplations on the things that are eternal, in 
the heavens. In the calmness of an unfaltering trust 
he fell asleep, September 6, 1867, aged sixty-five 
years. 

The church on Waite Hill was organized in 1830. 
Dexter Otis^ and Steven Tinkham were the over- 
seers, and John VioU and Noah Wirt, deacons. Bro. 
Wirt was afterwards called to the eldership. His 
active life in the ministry was a great support to 
the church till his removal to Wisconsin. 

With these, Bro. Ransom R. Storm was long as- 
sociated. He was a man of superior gifts, an easy 
speaker, and a pointed reasoner. He was born in 
1818, in Shenango County, New York, but was 
brought up in Ohio. He confessed his faith in 
Christ in Mentor, under the preaching of Bro. Wil- 
liams, and soon began to proclaim the gospel He 
became much devoted to his work. At the call of 
some churches in Lake County, Illinois, he settled 
among them, where he spent the last years of his 
ministry. Disease seized him, and as he became 
weaker, he was brought, by his desire, to pass the 
last of his days among his numerous friends in 
Willoughby, where he died June i, 1871, in the full 
hope of immortality in Christ. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 209 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE ADVENT OF MORMONISM. 

THIS was in the fall of 1830. This coarse im- 
posture was not born of chance. Characterized 
by much that is gross, and accompanied by practices 
repulsive for their lowness and vulgarity, it yet had a 
plan and an aim, and it was led on by a master spirit 
of delusion. It marked out its own course, and 
premeditated its points of attack. Its advent in 
Mentor was not accidental. Its four emissaries to the 
** Lamanites " in the West, like the four evil messen- 
gers from the Euphrates (Rev. ix: 15), had Rigdon 
in their eye before leaving Palmyra, N. Y. On his 
part, Rigdon, with pompous pretense, was travailing 
with expectancy of some great event soon to be re- 
vealed to the surprise and astonishment of mankind. 
Gifted with very fine powers of mind, an imagination 
at once fertile, glowing and wild to extravagance, with 
temperament tinged with sadness and bordering on 
credulity, he was prepared and preparing others for 
the voice of some mysterious event soon to come. 

The discomfiture he experienced at the hands of 
Mr. Campbell at Austintown, when seeking to intro- 
duce his common property scheme, turned him away 
mortified, chagrined and alienated. This was only 
two and a half months before he received, in peace, 
the messengers of delusion. Another fact : A little 
18 



2IO EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

after this, the same fall, and before the first emissa- 
ries of the Mormon prophet came to Mentor, Parley 
P. Pratt, a young preacher of some promise from Lo- 
rain County, a disciple under Rigdon's influence, 
passing through Palmyra, the prophet's home, turned 
aside to see this great sight. He became an easy 
convert. Immediately an embassy is prepared, com- 
posed of this same P. P. Pratt, Oliver Cowdery and 
two others, for the " Lamanites.'* 

The next scene opens in Mentor. About the mid- 
dle of November, came two footmen with carpet bags 
filled with copies of the book of Mormon, and stopped 
at Rigdon's. What passed that night between him and 
these young prophets no pen will reveal ; but inter- 
preting events came rapidly on. Next morning, 
while Judge Clapp's family were at breakfast, in came 
Rigdon, and in an excited manner said: "Two men 
came to my house last night on a c-u-r-i-o- u-s mis- 
sion ; " prolonging the word in a strange manner. 
When thus awakened, all around the table looking up, 
he proceeded to narrate how some men in Palmyra, 
N. Y., had found, by direction of an angel, certain 
plates inscribed with mysterious characters ; that by 
the same heavenly visitant, a young man, ignorant of 
letters, had been led into the secret of deciphering 
the writing on the plates ; that it made known the 
origin of the Indian tribes ; with* other matters of 
great interest to the world, and that the discovery 
would be of such importance as to open the way for 
the introduction of the Millennium. Amazement ! 
They had been accustomed to his stories about the 
Indians, much more marvelous than credible, but this 
strange statement, made with an air both of wonder 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 211 

and credulity, overcame their patience. " Its all a 
lie/* cried out Matthew, quite disconcerting the half 
apostate Rigdon ; and this future Aaron of the new 
prophet retired. 

These two men who came to Rigdon's residence, 
were the young preacher before named, P. P. Pratt, 
intimately acquainted with Rigdon, and therefore, 
doubtless, chosen to lead the mission, and Oliver 
Cowdery. This Mr. Cowdery was one of the three 
original witnesses to Mormonism ; Martin Harris and 
David Whitmar were the other two. Harris was the 
first scribe to record the new Bible at the dictation 
of Smith ; but through carelessness he suffered the 
devil to steal ii6 pages of the manuscript, and then 
Cowdery was chosen in his stead. 

These men staid with Rigdon all the week. In the 
neighborhood, lived a Mr. Morley, a member of the 
church in Kirtland, who, acting on the community 
principles, had established a " family." The new doc- 
trines of having " all things in common," and of re- 
storing miracles to the world as a fruit and proof of 
true faith, found a ready welcome by this incipient 
" community." They were all, seventeen in number, 
re-immersed in one night into this new dispensation. 

At this, Rigdon seemed much displeased. He told 
them what they had done was without precedent or 
authority from the Scriptures, as they had baptized 
for the power of miracles, while the apostles, as he 
showed, baptized penitential believers for the remis- 
sion of sins. When pressed, they said what they had 
done was merely at the solicitation of those persons. 
Rigdon called on them for proofs of the truth of 
their book and mission. They related the manner 



212 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

in which they obtained faith, which was by praying 
for a sign, and an angel appeared to them. Rigdon 
here showed them from Scripture the possibility of 
their being deceived : " For Satan himself is trans- 
formed into an angel of light." " But," said Cowdery, 
" do you think if I should go to my Heavenly Father, 
with all sincerity, and pray to him, in the name of 
Jesus Christ, that he would not show me an angel — 
that he would suffer Satan to deceive me } " Rigdon 
replied : " If the Heavenly Father has ever promised 
to show you an angel to confirm any thing, he would 
not suffer you to be deceived ; for John says : * If we 
ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.' 
But," he continued, "if you should ask the Heavenly 
Father to show you an angel, when he has never 
promised such a thing — if the devil never had an op- 
portunity before of deceiving you, you give him one 
now." 

This was a word in season, fitly spoken ; yet, 
strange enough ! " two days afterward he was per- 
suaded to tempt God by asking this sign. The sign 
appeared, and he was convinced that Mormonism was 
of God ! According to his own reasoning, therefore, 
Satan appeared to him as an angel of light. But he 
now imputed his former reasoning to pride, increduHty, 
and the influence of the Evil One." 

The next Sunday Rigdon, accompanied by Pratt 
and Cowdery, went to Kirtland to his appointment. 
He attempted to preach ; but with the awful blas- 
phemy in his heart, and the guilt of so shameless an 
apostasy on his conscience, how could he open his 
mouth in the name of the insulted Jesus ? The elo- 
quent lips which never stammered before, soon be- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 213 

came speechless, and his tongue was dumb. The 
faithless watchman, covered with the shame of his 
fall, surrendered his pulpit and congregation to the 
prey of wolves. Cowdery and Pratt did most of 
the preaching ; and that day, both Mr. and Mrs. Rig- 
don, with many of the members of the church in 
Kirtland, were baptized into the new faith. 

'* Scenes of the most wild, frantic and horrible fanati- 
cism ensued. They pretended that the power of miracles 
was about to be given to all who embraced the new faith ; 
and commenced communicating the Holy Spirit, by laying 
their hands on the heads of the converts, which operation, 
at first, produced an instantaneous prostration of body and 
mind. Many would fall upon the floor, where they would 
lie for a long time, apparently lifeless. * The fits usually 
came on during, or after, their prayer-meetings, which were 
held nearly every evening. The young men and women 
were more particularly subject to this delirium. They 
would exhibit all the apish actions imaginable, making the 
most ridiculous grimaces, creeping upon their hands and 
feet, rolling upon the frozen ground, going through all 
the Indian modes of warfare, such as knocking down, 
scalping, etc. At other times they would run through the 
fields, get upon stumps, preach to imaginary congregations, 
enter the water and perform the ceremony of baptizing. 
Many would have fits of speaking in all the Indian dialects, 
which none could understand. Again, at the dead hour 
of night, young men might be seen running over the fields 
and hills, in pursuit, as they said, of the balls of fire, lights, 
etc., which they saw moving through the atmosphere.*' — 
Mormo7iism Unveiled^ pp. 104, 105. 

These ridiculous practices were performed in Mr. 
Rigdon's absence. About three weeks after his 
adoption of the delusion, he went to Palmyra to see 



214 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Smith. The prophet was rejoiced at his coming, 
and had a revelation all ready for him, just suited to 
his own purpose and Rigdon's vanity. The begin- 
ning of it is here transcribed : 

*' A commandment to Joseph and Sidney, December 7, 
1830, saying: Listen to the voice of the Lord your God : 
I am Alpha and Omega. Behold ! verily, verily, I say 
unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy 
works ; I have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a 
greater work: thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great 
things. Behold ! thou wast sent forth even as John, to 
prepare the way before me and Elijah, which should come, 
and thou knewest it not. Thou didst baptize with water 
unto repentance, but they secured not the Holy Ghost. 
But now I give unto you a commandment that thou shalt 
baptize with water and give the Holy Ghost by laying on 
of hands, even as the apostles of old. And it shall come 
to pass that there shall be a great work in the land, even 
among the Gentiles.'* 

Mr. Rigdon tarried with Smith about two months, 
receiving revelations, preaching in the vicinity, and 
urging proofs of the new religion. His knowledge 
of the Bible enabled him to pervert many scriptures 
to this end. Soon after his return to Ohio, Smith and 
several of his relatives arrived. " This being the 
* promised land,' in it their long cherished hopes and 
anticipations of living without work were to be real- 
ized. Thus, from almost a state of beggary, the fam- 
ily of Smiths were immediately well furnished with 
the * fat of the land * by their fanatical followers, many 
of whom were wealthy." 

The new delusion immediately assumed an aggress- 
ive attitude. A hierarchy was formed consisting of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 2I5 

several orders of priesthood and grades of eldership. 
New converts began to come up to the " New Jerusa- 
lem," to behold the miraculous wonders that busy ru- 
mor reported to be of daily occurrence, and to worship 
under the eye of the prophet of the "Latter Day 
Saints." Rigdon's reputation lifted it at once into 
notice. New members, with incredible haste, were 
solemnly ordained to the eldership by the high 
priests, and sent out every-where to propagate the 
faith. Their gravity and apparent candor, coupled 
with a degree of ignorance which was ostentatiously 
paraded as evidence that they were not deceivers, 
gave them great credit with a superstitious class of 
people who are ever ready to be duped by supernat- 
ural pretension. 

Though coming into Ohio first among the disci- 
ples, and introduced to their attention in a well- 
planned and artful manner, very few of the leading 
members were for a moment deceived. After its 
first approach, it boasted of few converts from any 
of our churches. Rigdon, Pratt and Orson Hyde, 
the last two young and but little known, were the 
only preachers who gave it countenance. 

The opposition to it was quick on its feet, in rank, 
and doing effective work to check the imposture. 
J. J. Moss, at the time a young school-teacher in the 
place, pelted them, but not with grass. Isaac Moore 
stood up, and became a shield to many. The vigi- 
lance of the Clapps prevented any serious inroads into 
the church of Mentor. Collins forbade its approach 
to Chardon, and it merely skulked around its hills. 
Alexander P. Jones was there also, young, shrewd, 
and skilled. In many an encounter he was left with- 



2l6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

out a foe. But the misfortune governing the case 
was that many people, victims of excitement and 
credulity, and taught in nearly all pulpits to pray 
for faith y now found themselves met on their own 
grounds, and so finding an emotion or impulse an- 
swerable to an expected response from heaven, dared 
not dispute the answer to their own prayers, and 
were hurried into the vortex. The reason the delu- 
sion made little progress among the Disciples, save 
only at Kirtland, where the way for it was paved by 
the common-stock principle, is to be found in the 
cardinal principle every-where taught and accepted 
among them, that/^///^ is founded on testimony. This 
is the law of faith, both in things divine and human. 
This fundamental principle of the ** current reforma- 
tion," so rational, as well as so scriptural, was every- 
where proclaimed and accepted among the disciples. 
It constitutes the divergent truth lying at the basis 
of their views of conversion, and by which they are, 
on that subject, distinguished from other bodies of 
religious people. They never " pray for faith," since 
** faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of 
God." Having obtained faith by the appropriate tes- 
timony, they pray, in the exercise of that faith, for 
all the rightful objects of petition. 

No marvel, then, that when the Mormon preacher 
approached a disciple, with the proposition to pray 
for a sign, or evidence of the truth of his system, he 
was met with an intelligent refusal so to " tempt the 
Lord his God." 

The venerable Thomas Campbell, hearing of the 
defection of Rigdon and the progress this silly delu- 
sion was making, came quickly to the front. He 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 21/ 

spent much of the winter in Mentor and vicinity. 
His wise counsels and great weight of influence in- 
terposed an effectual barrier against its encroachments. 
He addressed a communication to Rigdon so firm, 
so fatherly and characteristic, that the reader shall 
.have the pleasure of perusing it. Its great length 
will apologize for the omission of a portion of it. 
Soon after his return to Kirtland, Rigdon fulminated 
a pompous challenge to the world to disprove the new 
Bible. On this Mr. Campbell wrote him, as follows : 

"Mentor, February 4, 1831. 
*'Mr. Sidney Rigdon, 

" Dear Sir : — It may seem strange, that instead of a con- 
fidential and friendly visit, after so long an absence, I 
should thus address, by letter, one whom for many years 
I have considered not only as a courteous and benevolent 
friend, but as a beloved brother and fellow-laborer in the 
gospel ; but, alas ! how changed, how fallen ! Neverthe- 
less, I should now have visited you, as formerly, could I 
conceive that my so doing would answer the important 
purpose, both to ourselves and to the public, to which we 
both stand pledged, from the conspicuous and important 
stations we occupy — you as the professed disciple and pub- 
lic teacher of the infernal book of Mormon, and I as a 
professed disciple and public teacher of the supernal book 
of the Old and New Testaments of our Lord and Savior 
Jesus Christ, which you now say is superceded by the book 
of Mormon — is become a dead letter ; so dead that the be- 
lief and obedience of it, without the reception of the lat- 
ter, is no longer available for salvation. To the disproof 
of this assertion, I understand you to defy the world. I 
here use the epithets infernal and supernal in their primary 
and literal meaning, the former signifying from beneath, 
the latter from above, both of which are truly applied, if 

19 



2l8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the respective authors may be accredited ; of the later of 
which, however, I have no doubt. But, my dear sir, sup- 
posing you as sincere in your present, as in your former 
profession, neither yourself, your friends," nor the world 
are bound to consider you as more infallible in your latter 
than in your former confidence, any further than you can 
render good and intelligible reasons for your present cer- 
tainty. This, I understand from your declaration on last 
Lord's day, you are abundantly prepared and ready to do. 
I, therefore, as in duty bound, accept the challenge, and shall 
hold myself in readiness, if the Lord permit, to meet you 
publicly, in any place, either in Mentor or Kirtland, or 
in any of the adjoining towns that may appear most eligi- 
ble for the accommodation of the public. The sooner 
the investigation takes place the better for all concerned. 

**The proposition that I have assumed, and which I 
mean to assume and defend against Mormonism and every 
other ism that has been assumed since the Christian era, 
is the all-sufficiency and the alone-sufficiency of the Holy 
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, vulgarly called 
the Bible, to make every intelligent believer wise to salva- 
tion, thoroughly furnished for any good work. This prop- 
osition, clearly and fully established, as I believe it most 
certainly can be, we have no more need for Quakerism, 
Shakerism, Wilkinsonianism, Buchanism, Mormonism, or 
any other ism, than we have for three eyes, three ears, 
three hands, or three feet, in order to see, hear, work, or 
walk. This proposition I shall illustrate and confirm, by 
showing — 

* ' I . That the declarations, invitations and promises of the 
gospel, go to confer upon the obedient believer the great- 
est possible privileges, both here and hereafter, that our 
nature is capable of enjoying. 

^'2. That there is not a virtue that can happify, or adorn 
the human character, nor a vice that can abase and dis- 
happify, which human heart can conceive, or human Ian- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 219 

guage can express, that is not most clearly commanded or 
forbidden in the Holy Scriptures. 

^' 3. That there are no greater motives that can possibly 
be expressed or conceived, to enforce obedience, or dis- 
courage and prevent disobedience, than the Scriptures most 
clearly and unequivocably exhibit. 

*' These propositions being proved, every thing is proved 
that can effect our happiness here or hereafter.'* 

He next tells Mr. Rigdon the course he proposes 
to pursue in exposing the claims of Mormonism : 

1. By examining the character of its author and his ac- 
complices ; 

2. Expose their pretensions to miraculous gifts, and the 
gift of tongues ; and will test them in three or four for- 
eign languages ; 

3. Expose their assertion, that the authority for adminis- 
tering baptism was lost for fourteen hundred years till re- 
stored by the new prophet, by showing it to be a contra- 
diction to Matt, xvi : 18 ; 

4. That the pretended duty of '^ common property *' is 
anti-scriptural, and a fraud upon society ; 

5. That re-baptizing believers is making void the law 
of Christ ; and the pretension of imparting the Holy 
Spirit by imposition of hands, is an unscriptural intrusion 
on the exclusive prerogative of the primary apostles ; 

6. That its pretentious visions, humility and spiritual 
perfection, are nowise superior to those of the first Shakers, 
Jemima Wilkinson, the French prophets, etc. 

*'In the last place we shall examine the internal evi- 
dence of the book of Mormon itself, pointing out its evi- 
dent contradictions, foolish absurdities, shameless preten- 
sions to antiquity, restore it to its rightful claimant as a 
production beneath contempt, and utterly unworthy the 
reception of a school-boy.*' 

He concludes: 



220 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

*' I remain, with grateful remembrances of the past, and 
best wishes for the future, your sincere friend and humble 
servant, Thomas Campbell.'* 

Mr. Rigdon read a few lines of this communication, 
and then hastily committed it to the flames ! 

Perhaps in no place, except Kirtland, did the doc- 
trines of the " Latter Day Saints " gain a more per- 
manent footing than in Hiram. It entrenched itself 
there so strongly that its leaders felt assured of the 
capture of the town. Rigdon's former popularity in 
that region gave wings to their appeal, and many peo- 
ple, not avowed converts, were under a spell of won- 
der at the strange things sounded in their ears. The 
following communication from Bro. Symonds Ryder, 
living in the midst of the scenes he describes, will be 
read with interest, especially by those who knew the 
high and indubitable integrity of the writer : 

'* Hiram, February i, 1868. 
** Dear Bro. Hayden : 

*' . . . To give particulars of the Mormon excitement of 
1 83 1 would require a volume — a few words must suffice. It 
has been stated that from the year 18 15 to 1835, a period 
of twenty years, * all sorts of doctrine by all sorts of preach- 
ers had been plead ; * and most of the people of Hiram 
had been disposed to turn out and hear. This went by 
the specious name of Miberal.' The Mormons in Kirt- 
land, being informed of this peculiar state of things, were 
soon prepared for the onset. 

*'In the winter of 1831 Joseph Smith, with others, had 
an appointment in the south school-house, in Hiram. Such 
was the apparent piety, sincerity and humility of the 
speakers, that many of the hearers were greatly affected, 
and thought it impossible that such preachers should lie in 
wait to deceive. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 221 

*' During the next spring and summer several converts 
were made, and their success seemed to indicate an im- 
mediate triumph in Hiram. But when they went to Mis- 
souri to lay the foundation of the splendid city of Zion, 
and also of the temple, they left their papers behind. 
This gave their new converts an opportunity to become 
acquainted with the internal arrangement of their church, 
which revealed to them the horrid fact that a plot was 
laid to take their property from them and place it under 
the control of Joseph Smith the prophet. This was too 
much for the Hiramites, and they left the Mormonites 
faster than they had ever joined them, and by fall the Mor- 
mon church in Hiram was a very lean concern. 

^' But some who had been the dupes of this deception, 
determined not to let it pass with impunity ; and, accord- 
ingly, a company was formed of citizens from Shalersville, 
Garrettsville, and Hiram, in March, 1832, and proceeded 
to headquarters in the darkness of night, and took Smith 
and Rigdon from their beds, and tarred and feathered 
them both, and let them go. This had the desired effect, 
which was to get rid of them. They soon left for Kirt- 
land. 

*'A11 who continued with the Mormons, and had any 
property, lost all; among whom was John Johnson, one 
of our most worthy men ; also, Esq. Snow, of Mantua, 
who lost two or three thousand dollars. 

^' Symonds Ryder.*' 

The subsequent history of this modern imposture 
of most blasphemous pretension, is before the world. 
It is not a little curious that it has become the ground- 
work of many publications and much romance. A 
very full and complete history of it, full of incident 
and personal allusion, came out a few years ago in 
France, in two elegant volumes. Its research is mi- 
nute and extensive, giving with remarkable accuracy 



222 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

and fullness sketches of many leading actors, with 
accounts of the religious societies from which they 
deflected. A copy of the work is in the library of 
Congress, at Washington, as I learn by a note from 
Gen. Garfield, who writes : *' It was published in 
French, at Paris, in i860, and about the same time 
in English, in London. The London edition is en- 
titled * A Journey to Great Salt Lake City, by Jules 
Remy and Julius Brenchley.' It is published at Lon- 
don by W. Jefis, 15 Burlington Arcade — imprint, 
1861/' 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 223 



CHAPTER X. 

The Church in Chardon — Wm. Collins — Pastors — The Church in 
Munson — Leading Men — The Cause established in Burton. 

THE Baptist church at Chardon was formed Oc- 
tober I, 1817. On the eleventh of that month 
the church met in the court-house, and appointed 
Elders Hank and Rider to represent them in the 
Grand River Conference, and act for them in form- 
ing the Grand River Association. 

Mr. Campbell's visit to Chardon at the ministers' 
meeting, June, 1824, produced a marked and perma- 
nent effect. The ground principles of all this grand 
movement — that the Bible is a self-interpreting book ; 
that it is not to be interpreted in the interests of any- 
party, or any received system of theology ; that a 
correct and faithful use of it would lead back the di- 
vided saints into the original apostolic " unity of the 
spirit in the bond of peace," a glorious consumma- 
tion, and so bring about the long prayed for union 
of God's people — these views, so clear, so desira- 
ble, and so in harmony with the Holy Scriptures, 
were warmly cherished and much discussed. Mr. 
Campbell's " Christian Baptist,'* several copies of 
which were taken and critically read, kept alive the 
discussions, and added very much to the power and 
boldness with which they were asserted and de- 
fended. Lucius Smith was in the habit of taking 
his copy of it to the neighbors and reading it to 



224 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

them. He came frequently to John C. Collins*, father 
of Elder Wm. Collins, who was brother-in-law to the 
brothers King, where many an evening was profita- 
bly spent in searching the Scriptures. It must not 
for a moment be supposed that the truth gained an 
easy victory. So far from it, many of its early and 
life-long supporters arrayed themselves at first 
against the alleged innovations, and yielded their 
opposition only when they could withstand no 
longer. Zadok and George King were among the 
earliest and firmest opponents. 

The hymns reflected the doctrine of the day. 
There were few more popular than the following : — 

" Awaked by Sinai's awful sound. 
My soul in bonds of guilt I found. 

And knew not where to go ; 
Alas ! I read and saw it plain 
The sinner must be born again, 
Or sink to endless woe ! " 

All the points in the process of conversion passed 
through the most thorough ordeal of analysis and 
examination. That the Law of Moses was ever de- 
livered to any nation but the Jews, or that it was 
ever intended to bring repentance, was questioned, 
doubted, denied. But " the law is our school-master 
to bring us to Christ," was quoted triumphantly by 
preacher, deacon, and disputant. " It does not read 
so," says one in the audience. *' Take that man out, 
he disturbs the meeting." 

Mrs. Lucius Smith was no less interested than 
her husband in the clearer views of gospel light ad- 
vocated in the " Christian Baptist." She was a Pres- 
byterian, a person of clear apprehension^ and of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 225 

much independence of character. She saw the truth 
in regard to the law, and usually replied to the argu- 
ment by quoting correctly : " The law was our 
school-master/' and asking, **What have we, under 
the gospel, to do with the law .?" Quoting further: 
" The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth 
came by Jesus Christ." The people were walking 
on the sharp edge of the controversy about legal and 
evangelical repentance ; about saving faith, evangel- 
ical faith, historic faith, and many such needless dis- 
tinctions unknown to the gospel, and which served 
only to confuse the mind, and render the way of sal- 
vation a mystery. 

Nathan Porter, who not long before had come 
from the East, young, ardent, ready in speech, and 
ready to learn, took hold with fresh avidity of the 
new principles. He was commended for ordination, 
and was formally set apart to the work of the min- 
istry, June, 1824. He was prompt to publish and 
defend the teaching of the Holy Scriptures touching 
the points under discussion, little caring what the 
doctrinal standards taught. 

William Collins, familiarly known as ^' Elder Col- 
lins,** was born in Enfield, Connecticut, September 24, 
1799, but brought up in Suffield. His parents were Pres- 
byterians. When he was about fourteen years of age an 
extensive religious awakening arose among the Baptists in 
Suffield. Many turned to the Lord, and young Collins, 
in the language of that day, become *^ hopefully con- 
verted.** Like Timothy of Derbe (Acts xvi : i) he began 
at once to exercise his gift of exhortation. His zeal im- 
pelled him forward. It is related of him that when the 
tide of feeling was high in the community, he arose in a 



226 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

crowded evening assembly, and stretching both arms side- 
ways to full length, he cried out : ** Jesus of Nazareth is 
passing by!'* His voice was full and clear, and the 
speech produced a profound sensation. He followed with 
an exhortation twenty minutes, so pertinent, earnest, and 
persuasive, that many made note of it as preluding emi- 
nence in the Christian ministry. In the year 1816, when 
he was some seventeen years old, his father, John C. Col- 
lins, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Chardon. John 
King, father of Zadok, George, and Harvey King, and 
father-in-law of John C. Collins, had removed to Chardon 
from Connecticut the year before, and settled on ^^King 
Street. ' ' The land was all a wilderness. Teams of oxen 
and horses brought their families and their few necessary 
'^ goods '* all the way, and their own axes underbrushed 
the way many miles for their wagons. These firm, perse- 
vering men brought excellent muscle for the clearing off 
of the forest, and laying the basis of the agricultural 
wealth of the country. Their moral and religious prin- 
ciples, in which they were equally heroic, was the ground- 
work of a future eminently noble society, in which were 
secured the right culture and development of their chil- 
dren's children. The writer of these memoirs was not 
born out of due time to see and converse with grandfather 
and grandmother King. George King, long an elder and 
active member, died June 8, 1862, at nearly sixty-nine 
years of age. Harvey King, unexceptionable in upright- 
ness and piety, died joyfully, December 15, 1872, at sev- 
enty-five years; while ** uncle'' Zadok still survives, a 
veteran of three generations, like a tree with its root in 
one, its trunk and bloom in another, and its ripe fruit in 
the third. 

Wm. Collins was employed in industrial pursuits for 
several years. In the winter of 1821-2, Chardon was vis- 
ited by a deep religious revival. Elder Warner Goodall, 
of Mentor, was the mover in it, a man of plain, broad 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 22/ 

common sense, of no mean abilities, widely esteemed for 
his godly behavior. He so preached that a large part of 
the Presbyterian membership came like Jesus the blessed, 
and exchanging the bowl for the Jordan, followed their 
leader into it. Collins had never lost the impressions 
produced in old Sufiield. He came also, and on the 17th 
of March, 1822, he was baptized by Elder Goodall. 
Again his tongue was loosed. He was young, ardent, de- 
votedly pious, of brilliant imagination, commanding a 
copious flow of language, and of manners that awakened 
great hopes of his future usefulness. He was licensed by 
the Baptist church, November 3, 1822, when about 
twenty-three years of age. He was warmly commended 
to prepare for the ministry in their theological school at 
Hamilton, New York. Elder Rufus Rider, the Baptist 
minister, was active in securing these advantages for 
him. This outlay of means yielded a rich harvest ; though 
probably not precisely in the channel of the counsels 
which urged him to Hamilton — the only difference, yet 
important, consisting in the fact that he returned to 
preach the gospel as he read it in the New Testament, not 
as it is interpreted in the confession of faith. 

When he returned from college he found the commu- 
nity all alive, and agitated with these doctrinal discus- 
sions. With a readiness of insight possessed by few 
men, and with the promptitude and frankness for which 
he was ever distinguished, he examined, accepted, and 
began openly to defend the Scripture models as the true 
standard of conversion, rather than the experiences of 
men formed as they are by the standards of their respect- 
ive systems. In this progress of religious intelligence the 
main portion of the church were with him. He was duly 
set apart by ordination to the life work of the ministry 
of the Word, October 26, 1826. 

Just the month previous to his ordination, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Ann Eliza Haynes. I^i her he found a 



228 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Christian companion, whose life flowed evenly with his. 
They were one in life ; in death they were not long sep- 
arated. Their demise was only three weeks apart. He 
fell asleep in Chardon, June 26, i860, aged sixty years; 
and on the twentieth day of July, twenty-four days after, 
she followed him to their final reward. The funeral serv- 
ices of both of them were performed by Bro. J. H. 
Jones, in presence of a great concourse of weeping and 
admiring friends. Few persons ever passed to their 
graves more universally respected and lamented. 

Collins won all to him by his kind, genial, social na- 
ture. He was very quick in discernment, abounded in 
humor, and was highly entertaining, either as guest or 
host, by his wit, anecdote, and unfailing supply of sensi- 
ble and instructive conversation. One less hopeful would 
have sank down under the hardships and lack of compen- 
sation, an experience in which he had his full share in 
common with the generation of preachers who founded 
and built up the churches. He did not exceed a medium 
height, was finely formed, his countenance comely and 
benevolent. Few men ever preached so many funerals. 
His abundant, practical common sense, his excellent 
vocal powers and fluent speech, his firmness of principle, 
activity in the gospel, his love of men, and devotion to 
Christ as his servant, made him universally acceptable, 
and with very many a favorite. 

For thirty-four years he proclaimed the gospel. Most 
of this time he served as pastor of the church. In 1853, 
J. W. Errett was settled in the church, and served three 
years. James Encell followed him; then R. Chapman, 
who died there. Orange Higgins succeeded him for two 
years. J. W. Ingram next. After him W. S. Hayden, 
two years ; then R. S. Groves. 

For many years the church has had the benefit of the 
invaluable life and labors of Bro. Dan. R. King, who, as 
a preacher, the peer of any of them, has borne burdens 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 229 

when others laid them down. At intervals, when no 
preacher was employed, he has himself blown the silver 
trumpet, and, ** without murmuring and complaining," 
has stood always ready to serve for Christ. Present El- 
ders, D. R. King and C. D. Spencer; deacons, Henry 
Bartlett, L. G. King, O. C. Smith. Seth Sawyer, clerk. 
Membership, about two hundred. 

The Church of Christ in Munson. 

Both in its origin and subsequent support this 
church is much indebted to the faithful William Col- 
lins. Living near by, and being extensively ac- 
quainted, and respected by all, he was a pillar of 
strength to the cause. The first visible awakening 
was in January, 1839, by Bro. J. P. Robison, who 
preached one Lord's day, and baptized Miss Jenett 
Hamilton. He visited them again in the spring, 
added several, and left a church of twenty-two mem- 
bers ; with Alonzo Randall and Orrin Gates as el- 
ders ; and Milo Fowler and Halsey Abrams, dea- 
cons. The visits of E. Williams, W. Collins, and 
Dexter Otis kept the fire alive. In June, 1840, 
brethren Bentley, Collins, and Robison, conducted 
a meeting with seventeen additions. In March, 
1 841, J. Hartzel came among them. The Presbyter- 
ian church was obtained, and a large hearing secured. 
His lucid statements and able defense of the truth 
won confidence and converts. In five days, twenty- 
one souls yielded to Christ. Being compelled to 
leave, the church sent Adolphus Morse, who was 
then preaching there, to Mantua for A. S. Hayden, 
to carry the work forward. The first evening the 
house was filled with people, who had waded through 
blinding storms and deep snow — such was the inter- 



230 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

est in the public mind. Rev. Mr. Pepoon, the Pres- 
byterian minister in the place, a man clearly honest 
in his convictions, but blinded by prejudice, came to 
hear and to oppose. Honor to the man, who, while 
opposing what he conceives to be dangerous error 
hath yet an honest heart to listen and to learn. 
Here was an example : This gentleman was hostile ; 
but years afterwards he became calm, and worshiped, 
and helped on the work. At this visit of three 
days, nine more were baptized into Christ. 

On the 20th of May following came Henry. 
His royal blade of tried temper was never drawn but 
in victory. He staid from Friday till Monday, the 
time of a long meeting then ; produced an immense 
interest, added a number, and left the church all 
alive. There occurred a passage at arms between 
him and Rev. Pepoon, which was rather hot than 
healing ; but the times then permitted some things 
over which these days would throw the veil of char- 
itable oblivion. 

In September following Hartzel returned, bringing 
Bro. C. E. Vanvoorhis with him. But the meeting- 
house was now closed. A store-room just erected 
was fitted up, and filled with hearers ; of whom some 
were obedient to the faith. W. A. Lillie, a school- 
teacher and student at law, whose inquiring mind had 
been tossed on the ocean every-where agitated by op- 
posing winds of doctrine, heard Hartzel with delighted 
relief of mind, as he saw in his exhibition of the gos- 
pel a rational system which he could embrace under 
the laws of evidence without violence to common 
sense. He immediately confessed his Savior. As 
in the case of Paul, so in his, the law was aban- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 23 1 

doned for a higher and nobler pleading. He became 
a minister of Jesus Christ, and his labors have long 
been fruitful, both in converts and counsels. The 
churches of Munson, Chester, Russell, and Mogadore, 
especially, as well as many others, have received 
much aid by his judicious instructions. 

Not only he, but Bro. Orrin Gates came up to 
usefulness in this church of Munson. Gates was 
born in Windham County, Connecticut, May 17, 
1815. He was brought up among the Methodists. 
He sought earnestly among that people the joys of 
salvation ; but he failed to obtain under their teach- 
ings the anxiously-sought blessing — the evidence of 
pardon. He heard on King Street, Chardon, the 
rapid Henry ; and his interest grew to astonishment 
as he listened to the unadorned proclaimer of the 
gospel. The King brothers there, and Collins, were 
faithful with him, and he was compelled to investi- 
gate. The very plainness of the gospel stumbled 
him. He fell sick ; and his conscience so re- 
proached him with neglected duty, that he resolved 
to obey the gospel the first opportunity. This was 
afforded him in the great yearly meeting in Euclid, 
September, 1837. 

His position as elder of the church, to which he 
was called soon after its organization, compelled him 
to take a public stand, and called him to exercise his 
good, natural gifts of exhortation. 

The outburst of " Come-outer-ism " during the 
presidential campaign of 1848, was a sore trial to the 
church in Munson — good men staggered, and many 
were swept away by it. His associate elder bowed 
under it. He girded up his soul, and aided much to 



232 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Steady the ship over the rocking billows. It was 
long before the dissidents resumed their seats in 
the congregation. 

His preaching was now no longer confined to a 
local congregation. In the winter of 1854, he was 
formally ordained in the church of Chardon, of 
which he had become a member, by brethren Isaac 
Errett, John W. Errett, William Collins, and Zadok 
King, the time-honored elder of that church. His 
field enlarged. He was the chief agent in founding 
the churches in Trumbull, Denmark, and Harpers- 
field, Ashtabula County, and Montville, Geauga 
County. His work in Munson, Hartsgrove, Bloom- 
field, and Bazetta will be long remembered. In Ba- 
zetta he had an ingathering of fifty souls at one 
meeting, and afterwards lived among them eight 
years. 

In 1842, the church in Munson had acquired suf- 
ficient strength to erect a good house. Bro. Hartzel 
came to the dedication of it in November. He 
preached with such power that fifteen turned to God, 
among whom were Jas. G. Coleman, and Henry, 
Thomas, and James Carroll. William Hayden, re- 
turning from a tour of preaching in the State of 
New York, arrived in the midst of the meeting, and 

preached from the words of the prophet, " to 

this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and 
of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word^ Isa. 
Ixvi : 2. In his sermon he urged strongly the needs 
and uses of the Sunday-school. 

A great move was made among the people in 
March, 1843, by Dr. Robison. He began meeting 
the twenty-fourth of that month, and in ten days he 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 233 

had brought seventy-six souls into the kingdom. 
Elder Collins stood closely by his side., and the pres- 
ence and prayers of Otis the meek, a part of the 
time, helped forward the work. 

No marvel that in June following this flood tide, 
when the yearly meeting for Geauga County was to 
be held in this church, Bro. Robison was the picked 
standard-bearer for that occasion — the church se- 
lecting A. S. Hayden as his associate ; these breth- 
ren, with those residing near by, discoursed during 
the four days to the great congregation. There 
were twelve conversions at that time. 

During this year, Dexter Otis was employed by 
the church to preach one-fourth of the time for fifty 
dollars. 

The brotherhood here have had the labors of 
most of the preachers. Besides the names already 
given, men who have been much among them, we 
mention Bro. M. S. Clapp, E. B. Violl, and Ransom 
Storm ; nor should William Hayden have been 
omitted as among the earlier and most efficient fac- 
tors in these results. A. B. Green also, and Wash- 
ington O'Connor have gathered stars there for Im- 
manuel's crown. Alvin Waite preached statedly for 
some time, alternating with Bro. Otis. 

Among the home forces, much credit is due to 
Thomas Carroll, who has long been at the helm. 
His patience, faithfulness, and good judgment are 
not easily overrated. Milo Fowler left his post as 
deacon and finance agent many days ago ; but he 
held it faithfully till his hand was enclasped by the 
touch of that of the angel who bore him to para- 
dise. James G. Coleman also, for many years an 
20 



234 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

elder and counselor, and who, by preaching and 
teaching kept the membership together, will never 
be forgotten. 

No man has been more faithful, or more useful 
than Allen Harper, one of the first members ; he has 
borne the burden at all times so faithfully and un- 
complainingly that he stands among the first in the 
gratitude of the church. And many others, who, 
with equal fidelity and perseverance have stood firmly 
by the cause for many years, doubtless have their 
names graven on the palms of Immanuel's hands. 

Burton. 

From Chardon, as from the church of the Thessa- 
lonians, the ** word of the Lord sounded" out into 
surrounding townships. In the year 1835, John A. 
Ford, of Burton, and his wife, Mrs. Eliza Ann Ford, 
attended a meeting on King Street, in Chardon ; 
and hearing, they "believed and were baptized" by 
Bro. Collins. Her sister, Adaline Barnes, afterward 
Mrs. Hoadley, made her confession of Christ the 
same time. Mr. Ford was a prosperous farmer, of 
Presbyterian connections, and a member of the most 
influential family, and pioneers in the settlement of 
Burton. His brother, Seabury Ford, Esq., was sub- 
sequently chosen by the suffrages of the people to 
be Governor of the State of Ohio. 

Mrs. Ford was a woman of warm friendships, of 
quick and correct perceptions, and by her decision 
and energy, she was a great help to her husband in 
the effort to bring to their neighbors the knowledge 
of the gospel as preached by the apostles. Almost 
the whole town was under the influence of the Pres- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 235 

byterian church, and the numerous and wealthy 
family of the Fords were its chief support. This 
deflection from ancestral faith by John and his wife, 
was looked upon as close akin to a family reproach, 
and many times they were made to feel the slights 
and taunts of offended sect pride, as a penalty for 
their independence and the legitimate exercise of 
their rights of conscience. 

Wishing the gospel, as they now plainly saw it, to 
be heard by their neighbors, they invited Collins to 
come and preach, who promptly responded to the 
call. In 1838, Ford moved from his farm to the 
center of the town, where, in his new house, with 
better accommodations, the people came to hear, and 
there in the autumn of that year Elder Collins con- 
stituted the church, consisting of twenty members. 

Bro. John A. Ford and Bro. Joseph Woodward, a 
man of much religious worth, formerly a Baptist, 
were very appropriately intrusted with the over- 
sight of the young community. These men would 
be entitled to respect for their sound judgment and 
weight of character in any community. Their fami- 
lies heartily co-operated with them in maintaining 
the ground under great disadvantages for many 
years. Bro. Henry Pifer was the deacon. After a 
time, Bro. Hoadley, brother-in-law to Bro. Ford, lo- 
cated in Burton, whose firmness and ability in coun- 
sel and address, with the musical talent of his amia- 
ble companion, were no small assistance. 

The church was sustained by the occasional and 
sometimes stated help of the preachers — Collins, 
Williams, Hartzel, Belding, the Haydens, and others — 
so that thev became well established in their own 



236 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

neat and comfortable meeting-house. Soon after the 
establishment of the Eclectic Institute at Hiram, 
this church obtained help from that source. It never 
grew to be large, but for twenty years conversions 
and other accessions repaired the loss by disinte- 
gration of various kinds. At length, when these two 
leading families began to separate, the congregation 
declined, and their dismemberment eventuated in 
that of the church. In 1858 they ceased to meet. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 237 



CHAPTER XI. 

The church in Mantua — D. At water — Churches in Hiram and Gar- 
rettsville — Biography of Ryder — Origin of the Eclectic In- 
stitute. 

A BAPTIST church was formed in Nelson, July 
30, 1808, called "Bethesda." It was the first 
church of any " order " in the county of Portage. 
Its members resided in Nelson, Hiram and Mantua. 
It was gathered chiefly through the influence of Dea- 
con John Rudolph, who, in 1806, moved from Mary- 
land to Hiram township, and settled near the site of 
Garrettsyille. Of this church, William West was 
pastor for a few years. He was followed by Thomas 
Miller, a warm-hearted man, who brought in converts. 
Darwin Atwater, of Mantua, was baptized by him in 
February, 1822. The principles of reform breaking 
out about this time, the dismemberment of the Be- 
thesda church followed. 

That portion of the members who maintained the 
sufficiency of the revealed will of God for all pur- 
poses of "faith and practice," formed a church in 
Mantua, January 27, 1827, " on the principle of faith 
in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and obedience to 
him as taught in his word/* It consisted at first of 
nine members, viz : John Rudolph, John Rudolph, 
Jr., Zeb Rudolph, James Rudolph, Darwin Atwater, 
Laura Atwater, Cleona Rudolph, Elizabeth Rudolph 
and Patta Blair. 



238 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

The first year eighteen members were added, in- 
cluding Seth Sanford; Seth Harmon, Lyman Hunt 
and Mrs. Judge Atwater. Sidney Rigdon was their 
stated, though not constant, minister. In February, 
1828, soon after his great meeting in Warren, Scott 
visited Nelson, Hiram and Mantua, and many turned 
to the Lord. 

In May, of this year, the church was favored with 
a visit from ''father" Thomas Campbell. The infant 
cause derived great advantages from this visit. He 
"set in order the things that were wanting,'* con- 
firmed the faith of the members, and new converts 
were added to the congregation. Under his counsels, 
brethren Zeb Rudolph and Darwin Atwater, young 
men of commendable gifts, studious and of blameless 
reputation, were chosen by the church, and set apart 
as " teachers ; *' and John Rudolph Jr., and Lyman 
Hunt were appointed deacons. This was done Sat- 
urday, May 24, 1828. The next day. Elder Camp- 
bell preached in a barn belonging to Jotham Atwater, 
to a large concourse of people. Symonds Ryder, of 
Hiram, whose mind had been tossed with conflicting 
doubts, seeking to find the *' right way of the Lord," 
heard him with fixed attention, and his difficulties 
being all removed, he confessed the Lord that day, 
and was baptized by Bro. Reuben Ferguson. 

The converts increasing in Hiram and Nelson, a 
petition for the formation of a new church in Hiram 
was laid before the congregation ; which, being 
granted, thirty-seven were dismissed for that purpose, 
and organized April 18, 1829. Another portion were 
dismissed to unite in Shalersville. Gamaliel H. Kent, 
and his wife Anna E. Kent, took letters to Aurora. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 239 

The church in Mantua was thus much reduced, but 
her light has never gone out. 

The following statement from the hand of that pil- 
lar of truth and justice, Bro. D. Atwater, just lately 
(May 28, 1873) laid down to rest, will be read with 
special interest : 

Mantua Station, April 26, 1873. 
Dear Bro. A. S. Hayden : 

.... The infant church at Mantua was left small and 
inexperienced. I was the only one who had been accus- 
tomed to take an active public part. There were Bro. 
Seth Sanford, and Bro. Seth Harmon, both very young in 
the Christian profession, with a number of excellent sis- 
ters. In our weak state, in the midst of so much opposi- 
tion, we were poorly prepared to take care of the church. 
March 21, 1830, I was ordained elder, (in my youth), and 
Bro. Seth Harmon was ordained deacon — Adamson Bent- 
ley officiating. 

At this time, Oliver Snow, an old member of the Bap- 
tist church, united with us. His talents, age and experi- 
ence, ought to have been very useful to us, but they were 
more frequently exercised in finding fault with what we 
attempted to do, than in assisting us. This only increased 
our embarrassment. Soon after this, the great Mormon 
defection came on us. Sidney Rigdon preached for us, 
and notwithstanding his extravagantly wild freaks, he was 
held in high repute by many. For a few months before 
his professed conversion to Mormonism, it was noticed 
that his wild, extravagant propensities had been more 
marked. That he knew before of the coming of the book 
of Mormon is to me certain, from what he said the first 
of his visits at my father's, some years before. He gave 
a wonderful description of the mounds and other antiqui- 
ties found in some parts of America, and said that they 



240 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

must have been made by the Aborigines. He said there 
was a book to be published eontatmng an account of those 
things. He spoke of these in his eloquent, efithusiastic 
style, as being a thing most extraordi7iary. Though a 
youth then, I took him to task for expending so much en- 
thusiasm on such a subject, instead of things of the gos- 
pel. In all my intercourse with him afterward he never 
spoke of antiquities, or of the wonderful book that should 
give account of them, till the book of Mormon really was 
published. He must have thought I was not the man to 
reveal that to. 

In the admiration of Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Snow and 
his family shared very largely ; so, when he came with his 
pretended humility, to lay all at the feet of Mormonism, 
it caused a great shock to the little church at Mantua. 
The force of this shock was like an earthquake, when 
Symonds Ryder, Ezra Booth and many others, submitted 
to the **New Dispensation.'* 

Eliza Snow, afterward so noted as the ^'Poetess''' among 
the Mormons, led the way. Her parents and sister, and 
three or four other members of the church, were finally 
carried away. Two of these were afterward restored. 

From this shock the church slowly recovered. Bro. 
Ryder returned and exposed Mormonism in its true light. 
The Mormon character soon exposed itself. 

Marcus Bosworth continued to preach for us. Symonds 
Ryder soon resumed his public labors with us, and re- 
gained the confidence of the community. 

In the year 1834, there were several additions to the 
church. Its growth has never been rapid. We never had 
very large accessions, or very low depressions. 

In 1839, we built a meeting-house at the center of Man- 
tua, and commenced to occupy it late in the Fall. It was 
soon after this that you labored for us. About this time, 
(January 19, 1840), John Allerton and wife, from the 
church at Euclid, and Selah Shirtliff and wife united, from 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 24 1 

the church in Shalersville — all the same day. Of the 
events during your labors for the church at Mantua, in 
1840 and 1 841, I need not write. 

After much prayerful, consideration, the church ordained 
Selah Shirtliif and John AUerton as elders, and Seth San- 
ford, deacon. This was done August 21, 1841. 

In the above, I should have mentioned that Walter 
Scott preached for us several times. Father Thomas Camp- 
bell a number of times. Alexander Campbell once, and 
Bro. Alton once. Jacob Osborne several times before our 
organization, and once afterward. Adamson Bentley once 
or more. John Henry one meeting of days. William 
Hay den many times. D. Atwater. 

This congregation affords an instructive example 
to .show that the leaders of a church usually impress 
the strong features of their character on the mem- 
bership. No community presents greater uniformity 
in its history. Firm, unwavering, moderately aggres- 
sive, she has maintained her ground and gradually ex- 
tended her borders. Her house of worship was too 
small, and after some years it was enlarged. Chiefly 
from Mantua, came the agencies which established 
the church in Auburn. She has not been behind in 
works of benevolence, and her contributions for mis- 
sionary enterprises, for the translation and circulation 
of the Bible, and for the support of the ministry, are 
a memorial to her honor. Among the earliest and 
strongest advocates of temperance, antislavery and 
kindred moralities, this brotherhood will be remem- 
bered when some communities of more pretension, 
but far less merit, shall pass away and fade from mem- 
ory. Bro. Darwin Atwater, for more than forty-three 
years, was the honored teacher, elder, and counselor 
of the congregation. 
21 



242 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

This church of Mantua has given to the public 
three educated men of much promise for ability and 
for a thorough training in the principles of the Chris- 
tian religion. These are the three sons of the elder 
Atwater : O. C. Atwater, John M. Atwater, and Amzi 
Atwater — the last a professor in the University of 
Bloomington, Ind., and a preacher ; the others are 
proclaimers of the gospel in New England. 

Sketch of Darwin Atwater. 

Bro. Atwater' s life was in many ways remarkable. Very 
seldom has a man appeared, and disappeared from the 
scenes of life's activity with so little of cloud or fleck upon 
him. Finely formed, of full size, an open, frank, yet 
grave countenance, his presence was noble, commanding 
always the respect of the people. 

He was the only son of Hon. Amzi Atwater, who for a 
time filled the position of Associate Judge, and of Sister 
Huldah Atwater, whose time-honored home was in Mantua. 
His father, the late Judge, being one of the original party 
of surveyors to survey into townships the country called 
New Connecticut, or *' Western Reserve," the party landed 
at Conneaut, the 4th of July, 1799, and proceeded to their 
work. This done, Amzi Atwater married Miss Huldah 
Sheldon, and settled on the banks of the Cuyahoga, where 
his son Darwin was born, September 11, 1805. 

He availed himself of such facilities for learning as the 
country afforded. 1822-23 he spent some time in the 
academy in Warren. Afterward, in company with his 
friend, Bro. Zeb Rudolph, yet surviving, he took a course 
of study in language and the Bible, to fit himself for 
preaching. 

He found a congenial companion in every good sense, 
and for every good purpose, in Miss Harriet Clapp, daugh- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE, 243 

ter of Judge Orris Clapp, of Mentor, whose family are 
known as widely as the cause of the reformation. 

When the church of Mantua was formed, Bro. At water 
was appointed its elder. The history of the church from 
that day was the history of Bro. Atwater. Other elders 
there have been — and good ones — yet the uniformity of 
his life, his undeviating devotion, his high and consistent 
manliness and superiority of judgment, gave him an undis- 
puted pre-eminence in the church, and wherever his noble 
qualities had legitimate exercise. 

Few men ever lived among us who understood better 
the gospel of Christ. Though conducting successfully a 
large farm, his study of the Scripture was constant, thor- 
ough, and unremitting. In the earlier part of his life he 
gave considerable time to preaching, and all his life the 
church received much of his attention. As a speaker he 
was slow, but his speech was so candid and so seasoned 
with good sense and godly counsel that it was always 
profitable. 

He died on Wednesday, the 28th of May; was buried 
Friday, the 30th. Bro. A. B. Green preached on the oc- 
casion to the largest assembly ever convened on such an 
occasion in the town. The preacher was much weighed 
down, saying to me afterward, '*I felt as though I was 
preaching the funeral of my own father.'* 

His first family consisted of three sons and one daugh- 
ter. The sons are all preachers and holding important 
positions. His daughter Mary is Mrs. Neely, lately among 
the freedmen in Alabama, now of North Carolina. She 
was, through distance, denied the sad privilege of mingling 
her tears with the family at the burial. The others came, 
but some of them too late to have the coffin-lid lifted to 
behold his face in death. 

Bro. Atwater died within twenty rods of the spot where 
he was born. The home virtues were pre-eminent. Such 
a home ! And such generous hospitality ! For much 



244 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

more than forty years the welcome guest has bathed at his 
fountain and been refreshed, equally at his table and by 
his Christian, hospitable welcome. 

Many years ago he lost the faithful wife of his youth. 
Another was given to him, who let not down the standard 
of home virtues and comforts He married the second 
daughter of the beloved Marcus Bosworth, Mrs. Betsy W. 
Treudley, whose children found a home and counsel invalu- 
able to them. About eighteen years the new went on so 
steadily and uniformly, it seemed but the first continued — 
not two families ; one continued, unbroken chain of affec- 
tion through all. 

Hiram. 

The history of the church of disciples in Hiram is 
so intimately interwoven with that of its first and 
long its only elder, Bro. Symonds Ryder, that we shall 
follow the thread of his life in giving this history to 
our readers. In doing this, we shall draw freely from 
the biographical sermon delivered by Pres't B. A. 
Hinsdale, of Hiram College, on the occasion of the 
funeral of Mr. Ryder, August 3, 1870, slightly abridg- 
ing some paragraphs. We do this with the more 
pleasure, as in the discourse Pres 't Hinsdale gives in 
its true light, the " momentary tripping " of Bro. Ry- 
der, with the correct explanation of his deviation ; a 
circumstance, which, at the time it occurred, as I dis- 
tinctly remember, created a marvel of astonishment 
in the minds of the disciples and of all who knew 
the manly consistency of his character. This dis- 
course repeats a few facts already recorded, but in 
such connection that the repetition will be fresh. 
The length of the sermon will not be considered ob- 
jectionable, in view of the valuable lessons which it 
impresses from the life of the man of whom it speaks. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 245 

LIFE AND CHARACTER OF SYMONDS RYDER. 



A FUNERAL SERMON PREACHED IN HIRAM, O., AUG. 3, 1870. 



BY B. A. HINSOALB. 



And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace ; thou shalt be buried in a good old 
age. Gen. xv : 15. 

Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in, in 
his season. Job v : 20. 

Nothing has occurred in the history of this community 
for many years so fertile in suggestion, as the event which 
has called us together. 

Here lies one who has attained to the age of nearly 
eighty years — who was but three years younger than the 
American Government. Not many men are left to us 
whose recollections go back to the closing years of the 
great life of Washington — to the time when Adams, Jef- 
ferson, and Hamilton, were in the fullness of their strength ; 
not many who read in the newspapers the history of the 
wars of the French Revolution ; not many are the lives 
that have spanned the eventful period reaching from the 
time when the first Napoleon was an unknown subaltern in 
the French army, to the time when the third Napoleon is 
marshaling his troops for the great struggle with Germany. 

The man whom we bury to-day was an object of interest 
in himself. He was no ordinary man ; his was no tame 
or common life. What he was in himself, the relation in 
which he so long stood to this community, and especially 
to this church, make the present an occasion of unusual 
interest and solemnity. 

His Early History. 

Symonds Ryder was born in Hartford, Windsor County, 
Vermont, on the 20th of November, 1792. He was of 



246 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Puritan stock, being a lineal descendant of a Ryder who 
came over in the Mayflower. His father, who had moved 
from Cape Cod to Vermont, was a man of considerable 
influence and property. The decay of his father^ s fortune 
threw young Symonds wholly upon his own resources. At 
the age of fifteen he entered the service of Elijah Mason, 
the father of Carnot and John Mason, long citizens of 
this town ; the fether, also, of Mrs. Charles Raymond and 
Mrs. Zeb Rudolph, who are present with us to-day. So 
soon as he had attained his majority, having served Mason 
six years, Ryder started for the West. His entire prop- 
erty consisted of the clothes he wore, the horse he rode, 
and a little money in pocket — all together amounting to 
one hundred and thirty-three dollars. It is worth remark- 
ing that he passed through the village of Buffalo on the 
28th of December, 181 3, the evening before it was burned 
by the British. The next day the fleeing population over- 
took him, while yet in sight of their burning homes. He 
arrived in Hiram, January 6, 18 14. He purchased some 
land, and set to work to create a home in the forest. In 
the winter of 1814-15, he returned to Vermont. 

Gathering the family about him, he started a second 
time for the West; now to plant his father and mother, 
brothers and sisters, in the new home which he had par- 
tially prepared for them. Here, in due time, the Ryder 
family found themselves in Hiram, surrounded by the wil- 
derness, surrounded too, by old acquaintances ; for Hiram 
was a Vermont colony. 

In his efforts to restore the fortunes of his family, he 
was supported by his younger brother, Jason, long a dea- 
con of the church. 

In 1818, he married Mehetabel Loomis, who struggled 
up the rugged steeps of life side by side with him for more 
than fifty years ; who survives her husband, and is here to- 
day to weep over his bier. 

In the early history of Hiram, he was, perhaps, the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 24/ 

best educated man in the township, and was, of course, 
well fitted for the public duties which his townsmen called 
him to discharge. 

His Religious Life. 

His early teachings and impressions of religion were of 
the severe puritanical sort which prevailed in New England 
during the last century. His nature was susceptible to re- 
ligious ideas, and he recognized the necessity of religion 
as a conservative influence on society. 

One of the oldest churches of the Mahoning Association 
was the Church of Bethesda, in Nelson, Portage County, 
founded in 1808. The reformed views effected a lodg- 
ment among the members of this church early in 1824, 
and after a series of struggles to reconcile differences of 
opinion on the question of creeds, and on some points of 
doctrine, seventeen members were excommunicated for 
heresy. The heretics represented the largest share of the 
intelligence and piety of the Bethesda Church ; moreover, 
but eight votes were cast for the exscinding resolution. 
They were citizens of Nelson, Hiram, and Mantua ; and 
being devoted to the Bible and the religion of the New 
Testament, they met successively for worship on Lord's 
days in these townships. In those meetings they studied 
the Word, and strengthened each other by prayer and ex- 
hortation. There was at first no man among them of suf- 
ficient age and experience in public speaking to warrant 
his election to the office of Elder or Overseer. But Dar- 
win Atw^iter, John Rudolph and his two sons, John and 
Zeb, (and we have reason for gratulation that the first one 
and last two are with us to-day), were leading members. 
The little band continued to meet and increase in num- 
bers, though without any regular and formal organization. 
They were occasionally visited by evangelists and preach- 
ers, who had adopted the advanced views of Campbell 
and Scott, whose preaching, together with the reading of 



248 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the '^Christian Baptist/* kept them informed of the prog- 
ress of the new movement. 

In June, 1828, Bosworth preached in Hiram. Symonds 
Ryder heard the sermon, and at its conclusion, called Zeb 
Rudolph aside, and asked his opinion of the views sub- 
mitted. The subject was briefly talked over, and they 
agreed to meet on the following Saturday to consider the 
matter further. It is worth remarking, however, that at 
this interview he expressed himself as being better satis- 
fied with this presentation of the gospel than with any 
other that he had heard. Suffice it to say, it presented 
something tangible to the hearer, and appealed powerfully 
to the objective mind. 

On the Saturday appointed, it so happened that Thomas 
Campbell was to preach in Mantua, and on his way to the 
meeting Rudolph called on his friend Ryder early in the 
morning. He found him with the New Testament in his 
hand, studying the theme of Bosworth's discourse. On 
the following day Ryder went to hear Mr. Campbell, who 
preached in the barn of Jotham Atwater. The vener- 
able preacher read the two first chapters of Genesis and 
the last chapter of Revelations — chapters which give the 
history of the creation of man, and an account of the 
New Jerusalem. He then remarked — holding the inter- 
vening portion of the Bible between his thin hands — that 
had it not been for sin there would have been no need 
for any other revelation than the three chapters he had 
read ; all the rest was to unfold the scheme of redemption. 
He said that in his earlier years he had often wished he 
had lived in the days of the Jews, that he might offer his 
sacrifice at the altar, and know by the direct assurance of 
God that his offering was accepted. Then, quoting from 
the sixth of Jeremiah the words: *' Stand ye in the ways, 
and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, 
and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls," he 
proceeded to unfold the law of Pardon as taught in the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 249 

gospel, and concluded with an invitation to sinners to 
obey. Before the first line of the hymn was sung through, 
Symonds Ryder went forward to confess his Master, and 
the same day was baptized in the Cuyahoga River by 
Reuben Ferguson, of Windham. 

The accession to the cause of a man of Symonds Ry- 
der's age, influence, and force of character was the signal 
for a more systematic organization ; and before one year 
had elapsed, the hitherto floating band of worshipers was 
divided into two churches. One of these was the Man- 
tua church, at Mantua; the other the Hiram-Nelson, at 
Hiram. Of the Hiram church, Bro. Ryder was chosen 
and ordained the first overseer. This church continued 
to maintain its joint character till 1835, when the Nelson 
element withdrew and formed a separate organization at 
Garrettsville. So far as I have been able to ascertain, the 
Mantua and Hiram-Nelson churches were the first which 
were established in this part of the Western Reserve dis- 
tinctly and avowedly on the basis of the Bible alone. 

From the moment Bro. Ryder obeyed the gospel, he 
expressed himself satisfied with the views taught by the 
Disciples on all points save one. He read in the New 
Testament of the gift of the Holy Spirit; and, in his mind, 
it was in some way associated with the laying on of hands, 
and with some special spiritual illumination. The words, 
^* These signs shall follow them that believe,*' seemed to 
him not yet to have been comprehended or realized. For 
years, this mystery of the Word was the subject of fre- 
quent thought and conversation. I have been careful to 
state this fact, because it furnishes the key to a remarkable 
episode in his life. 

In the latter part of 1830, the founders of Mormonism 
began to effect a lodgment in northern Ohio. Sidney 
Rigdon, a preacher among the Disciples, of great elo- 
quence and power, had joined them, and commenced 
preaching their doctrine. Whatever we may say of the 



250 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

moral character of the author of Mormonism, it can not 
be denied that Joseph Smith was a man of remarkable 
power — over others. Added to the stupendous claim of 
supernatural power, conferred by the direct gift of God, 
he exercised an almost magnetic power — an irresistible 
fascination — over those with whom he came in contact. 
Ezra Booth, of Mantua, a Methodist preacher of much 
more than ordinary culture, and with strong natural abili- 
ties, in company with his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and 
some other citizens of this place, visited Smith at his 
home in Kirtland, in 1831. Mrs. Johnson had been af- 
flicted for some time with a lame arm, and was not at the 
time of the visit able to lift her hand to her head. The 
party visited Smith partly out of curiosity, and partly to 
see for themselves what there might be in the new doc- 
trine. During the interview, the conversation turned on 
the subject of supernatural gifts, such as were conferred in 
the days of the apostles. Some one said, ^'Here is Mrs. 
Johnson with a lame arm; has God given any power to 
men now on the earth to cure her ? ' * A few moments 
later, when the conversation had turned in another direc- 
tion, Smith rose, and walking across the room, taking Mrs. 
Johnson by the hand, said in the most solemn and im- 
pressive manner : ** WomaUy in the name of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, I command thee to be whole y^ and immediately left 
the room. 

The company were awe-stricken at the infinite presump- 
tion of the man, and the calm assurance with which he 
spoke. The sudden mental and moral shock — I know not 
how better to explain the well attested fact — electrified 
the rheumatic arm — Mrs. Johnson at once lifted it up with 
ease, and on her return home the next day she was able 
to do her washing without difficulty or pain. 

In addition to this striking occurrence the Mormon Bi- 
ble professed to be a continuation of the revelations which 
God had made to the Jews and their descendants. Two 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 25 1 

questions of great historic interest, which appealed strongly 
to the imagination of all students of sacred and profane 
history, it professedly solved. It gave a history of the 
lost tribes of Israel ; and it accounted for the red men of 
the new world, the mound-builders of Mexico, and of the 
great valley of the Mississippi. The revelations made to 
these wandering Israelites, it was claimed, had been pre- 
served for the saints of the latter day, who should inhabit 
the new wilderness of the West, and upon whom God 
would pour out his Spirit in fullness and power. Ezra 
Booth became a convert and an elder. May, 1831. Com- 
ing to Hiram in the same month, he attended church, and 
at the conclusion of Elder Ryder's sermon, sought and 
obtained permission to make an address, in which he 
stated in the strong, clear language of impassioned enthu- 
siasm, the ground of his new faith, and the inspiring 
hopes which it gave him. A deep impression was made 
upon the minds of many who heard him. Elder Ryder 
was himself staggered; and ^* lest haply he should be found 
even to fight against God,** he sat in silence, neither ap- 
proving nor disapproving. Determined, however, to 
know the truth and follow it wherever it might lead, he 
made a journey to Kirtland, and heard for himself. On 
his return, he seemed for a short time to have rejected 
the claims of Mormonism ; but in the month of June, he 
read in a newspaper an account of the destruction of Pe- 
kin, in China, and he remembered that six weeks before, 
a young Mormon girl had predicted the destruction of 
that city. Shortly after this, he openly professed his ad- 
hesion to the Mormon faith ; but he and Ezra Booth, who 
were most intimate friends, promised that they would faith- 
fully aid each other in discerning the truth or the falsity 
of the new doctrine. 

Booth was soon commissioned to go to Missouri to ex- 
plore the new land of promise, and lay the foundations 
of the new Zion. Ryder was informed, that by special 



252 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

revelation he had been appointed and commissioned an 
elder of the Mormon church. His commission came, and 
he found his name misspelled. Was the Holy Spirit so 
fallible as to fail even in orthography? Beginning with 
this challenge, his strong, incisive mind and honest heart 
were brought to the task of re-examining the ground on 
which he stood. His friend Booth had been passing 
through a similar experience, on his pilgrimage to Mis- 
souri, and, when they met about the ist of September, 
1 83 1, the first question which sprang from the lips of each 
was — ^^How is your faith ?^^ and the first look into each 
other's faces, gave answer that the spell of enchant- 
ment was broken, and the delusion was ended. They 
turned from the dreams they had followed for a few 
months, and found more than ever before, that the re- 
ligion of the New Testament was ''the shadow of a great 
rock in a weary land.'* A large number of the citizens 
of Hiram had given in their adhesion to the doctrines of 
Smith and Rigdon, but the efforts of Ryder and Booth 
went far to stay the tide, and lead back those who had 
been swept away on its current. 

It may seem strange that a man of Father Ryder's 
strong mind and honest heart, could even temporarily 
have fallen into the Mormon delusion. Let us not fail to 
remember, however, that Mormonism in northern Ohio, 
in 1 83 1, was a very different thing from Mormonism in 
Utah, in 1870. It then gave no sign of the moral abom- 
ination which is now its most prominent characteristic. 
Besides, it was a formative period in religious history : 
new ideas were fermenting in the minds of men ; and, 
considering the facts before stated, it is not inexplicable 
that so strong a nature should have given way to the fa- 
naticism. It is greatly to his credit that he so soon dis- 
covered its true character, and had the honesty to say to 
the community that he had been deluded. He did not, 
like so many others who found that their faith had been 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 253 

trifled with, renounce religion. He immediately returned 
to the church, but in contrition and meekness. His con- 
duct showed plainly that he felt he had in some degree 
forfeited the confidence of the brethren. Had he been 
repelled as an apostate, his heart might have broken, or 
he might have drifted off into godlessness. But the 
brethren treated him kindly — he regained confidence, 
took his old place in the church, and labored for its wel- 
fare with increased energy. Counting from the date of 
his election as overseer, for a full third of a century he 
was the strong tower of the church — its defender, teacher, 
preacher, and, till 1852, its only elder. In addition to 
his work in Hiram, he labored extensively in other fields. 
He was well known to most of the churches in north-east- 
ern Ohio. 

His Later Life and Relations to the Hiram Church. 

Here the facts are less striking, and they must be 
passed over in silence. They are familiar to many of you. 
You remember the giving way of his constitution — his 
retirement from public duty — his confinement at home — 
his terrible suffering from disease — his happy faith — his 
triumphant and blessed death. 

Here I should speak more particularly of Father Ryder's 
relations to the church, especially with reference to one 
point. As he was an influential citizen at the time of his 
conversion, he was justly regarded as an important acqui- 
sition to the cause. He took from the beginning, the 
leading position. The brethren were few in number, and 
poor in goods. He served the church, as was his duty, 
with little or no reward. The more the church grew, 
the more it seemed to need him. He was first the eldest 
brother, then the father, finally the patriarch. What fol- 
lowed was natural : he did too much for the church ; the 
church did too little for themselves. Their sense of sat- 
isfied dependence, together with his thrifty maxims, led 



254 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

to illiberal contributions for the support of the gospel, 
and to inefficient business management. A mistake was 
made, into which almost all the old churches fell: no 
suitable provision was made for a new and different age. 
The church failed to discern the signs of the times. He, 
too, failed to discern them ; or discerning them, gave no 
warning ; or, the warning being given, it was not heeded. 
At all events, the church was not educated up to the 
wants of the coming time, and its force is weakened, and 
its usefulness impaired to this hour. 

His Character. 

I pass on to present a hastily prepared analysis of his 
character. I shall seek to speak of him as he was. This 
is the only course he would approve if he could be con- 
sulted ; for he was of the Cromwellian class, whose motto 
is, ^^ Paint me as I amJ*^ 

First of all, his physical constitution. 

His large frame, powerful muscular organization, and 
great power of endurance, furnished the physical basis of 
his long and laborious life. If this were, as is sometimes 
falsely charged, an age of physical degeneracy, it were the 
more worth remarking that Father Ryder never could 
have done his work as a citizen and a Christian without 
his great vital power. The picture of him that I shall 
carry through life is the one which he stamped upon my 
mind when he was about sixty years of age. I was then 
a young student, and he alternated with the principal of 
the school in the preaching. I remember him as he 
stood in this pulpit — rather in the pulpit in the midst of 
whose ashes this pulpit was reared — hale of body and vig- 
orous of mind, scourging popular errors and follies, and 
exhorting to righteousness, temperance, and preparation 
for the judgment to come. It seemed that nature had 
stored up in his strong body force enough to supply the 
vital mechanism for a century. He lived, indeed, to a 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 255 

good old age. Nevertheless, I find myself asking, why 
did he not attain to the age of one hundred years? Two 
facts area sufficient answer to the question. He was one 
of the most laborious men of that generation which bore 
off upon its broad shoulders, as Sampson did the gates of 
Gaza, the heavy forest which covered this land — the gen- 
eration that made possible that home in which we live to- 
day — the generation which performed the most wonderful 
work of the kind that history has witnessed ; for in no 
age, and in no country, has the face of nature been so 
suddenly transformed as in the Northern States of the 
American Union. He was also identified with a religious 
work, somewhat akin to the other, and no whit less labor- 
ious. To this he gave his time, his energy, and, no doubt 
several years of natural expectancy of life. If the pion- 
eers gave us the homes in which we dwell, no less did 
these pioneers of religious reform give us the churches in 
which we worship. 

In the second place, his menial characteristics. 

Father Ryder's mind, also, was organized on a large 
plan. He lacked only the discipline of study and the cul- 
ture of the schools, to fit him for prominence in any com- 
munity where the fortunes of life might have called him. 
I say he lacked only these; for his logical cast of mind, 
great common sense, and simplicity of character would 
have fortified him against the warpings and effeminacy 
which the schools sometimes engender. I have mentioned 
his logical cast of mind. Every thing was brought to the 
test of reason and common sense. His own life was ruled 
by his judgment, not by his sentiments or emotions. 
Besides, his mind was eminently honest and practical. 
He followed the convictions of his reason ; he brought 
things to the test of utility. 

He had no confidence in sensational religion, or in sen- 
sational preaching. He feared the influence on the 
church of high religious excitement. "Let us have no 



256 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

excitement here! '* he cried, almost in the tone of com- 
mand, when in a great congregation that throbbed with 
religious feeling, one of his sons came to confess Christ. 
'^Let us have no excitement here,*' and the tension of 
his own frame, and the tears that coursed down his 
cheeks, showed how deeply he was himself moved. If he 
allowed the logical faculty to reign too absolutely in the 
realm of religion — as was no doubt true — it must be re- 
membered that this was a natural result of his own mental 
constitution, and of his early religious training. The 
practical character of his mind was also seen in his preach- 
ing. In his preaching he was in the habit of dealing with 
a class of themes that receive too little attention in the 
pulpit. He brought religion into the store, the shop, the 
field, the granary, and the kitchen. He thought it had 
something to do with the manufacture of wagons, the 
weighing of sugar, the measuring of grain, the cording of 
wood. Industry, economy, honest dealing, the obliga- 
tion to pay debts when due — those old-fashioned virtues 
formed the theme of constant discourse. A very compe- 
tent judge has expressed the opinion that the marked 
honesty and thrift of the citizens of Hiram are largely due 
to his teachings and example. Here again, in his later 
years, he no doubt committed some excesses. His mind 
revolted at the exhibition of what he thought the extrava- 
gance, wastefulness, indolence, and recklessness of the 
new generation, and his honest nature poured itself out in 
warning and rebuke. No doubt he exaggerated the vices 
of the new time ; but much of his admonition was called 
for, and the remainder can be pardoned when we remem- 
ber that it is a rare occurrence for one to see and under- 
stand two generations. 

In the third place, his moral and religious character. 
The basis of his moral character was integrity. So far 
as known to me, no man has ever charged him with a de- 
flection from the strict line of right. He never had a law- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 257 

suit in his life; dying, he leaves no enemy. This was 
largely owing to the fact that he always so regulated his 
life that he could be straightforward and honest. He 
never allowed the situation to become his master. He 
was so careful in making contracts; so wary of promising 
when it was questionable whether he could perform; so 
prompt in meeting his engagements, that it was always 
easy for him to be upright and honest. He understood 
thoroughly that it is possible for a man to commit him- 
self to a logic of events that is sure to embarrass and per- 
haps destroy him. A fact will illustrate this characteris- 
tic: For several years he was the Treasurer of the 
College. For a man in his circumstances at that time, 
this was a very considerable responsibility. He carried 
the institution money in one end of a wallet, his own in 
the other. He never used the College-funds in his own 
business; never changed a large bill in one end for smaller 
ones of equal value in the other. Most men will smile at 
this refinement of scrupulousness ; but let me say to all — 
especially to the young men present — this sort of men 
never become unknown debtors to the money-drawers of 
their employers, or defaulters to the public treasury. 

To sum up in a few words, Symonds Ryder had character. 
He did not drift on the current ; he set currents in mo- 
tion. He did not rest on the sentiment of the commu- 
nity ; he formed sentiment for the community. He was 
not the creature of circumstances ; he made them bow to 
him. As a citizen and a Christian, he had root in him- 
self. Of course he had a will ; a man of his stamp always 
has; without it, character is impossible. His will may 
have run into excess ; no doubt it did ; but it was the in- 
evitable play of a powerful and indispensable faculty. A 
man who was never firm even to obstinacy, never plain 
even to severity, never truthful even to unkindness, could 
not have done his work. 



22 



258 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

The Lesson of his Life. 

There is one lesson still to be gleaned. So long a life 
has a sermon in itself: Tlie duty of living for old age. 

History teaches us that the average of human life is 
lengthening. Nor are we left in doubt as to the reason : 
fevers are becoming less frequent and less murderous; 
plagues do not desolate cities as in the middle ages ; men 
wear better clothing, live in better houses, eat better 
food; in a word, they live more as God intended they 
should live. In the Bible an abundance of old men is 
made an evidence of peace and prosperity — a sign of 
God's presence with his people. '* There shall yet old men 
dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his 
staff in his hand for very age.*' This language points to 
contentment, peace, and godliness. *' Behold the days 

come that there shalt not be an old man in 

thine house forever. * * This points to scenes of violence, 
bloodshed, and sin. Intemperance, lust, ungoverned pas- 
sion, consume the oil that should fill the lamp of life; in- 
dustry, temperance, godliness, feed the flame. '' The fear 
of the Lord prolongeth days ; but the years of the wicked 
are shortened.'* *'For as the days of a tree are the days 
of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work 
of their hands.'* Accordingly, '^ Godliness is profitable 
unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and 
that which is to come." Hence the relative number of 
old men in any community is a good measure of that com- 
munity's physical, mental, and moral health. 

''The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in 
the way of righteousness." This is a description of the 
old age of the father whom to-day we commit to his rest. 
We do not weep or shed unnecessary tears; we rejoice 
that he lived so long, and lived so well. His usefulness 
was past. The age was calling for a different type of 
men, when increasing infirmities compelled him to retire 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 259 

from the field. We judge him by his generation — not by 
ours. He has gone to his father's in peace ; he is buried 
in a good old age. He has come to his grave in full age, 
like as a shock of corn cometh in his season. God grant 
that we may do our work as well as he did his ; then we 
may go to our graves in equal peace. 

This church has never been subject to much accel- 
eration or retardation in its movements, another ex- 
ample of the leading authority in a community gov- 
erning and moderating the tendencies of the people. 
Constantly and faithfully supplied with home talent, 
it has suffered few fluctuations. The brethren here 
have received accessions to their numbers at various 
times, from the labors of most or all the preachers 
who for a period of thirty years were the stay of the 
churches. In the founding of the Eclectic Institute, 
the church and community in Hiram proffered a 
larger donation for establishing it than was offered 
by any other of the seven contestants for the loca- 
tion ; nearly every dollar of which was paid. And 
during the twenty-four years of its life, this com- 
munity has responded liberally from time to time to 
its necessities. 

Soon after the Institute was established, A. S. 
Hayden was elected co-elder with Bro. Ryder, and 
preached in alternation with him during the seven 
years of his connection with the Institute. Since 
that time brethren Perry Reno and Hartwell Ryder 
have presided as elders. Bro. E. H. Hawley served 
the church one year as elder and pastor. At pres- 
ent, Bro. B. A. Hinsdale, is employed as elder and 
preacher. Brethren Jason Ryder and Erastus Young 



26o EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

have long served as the faithful deacons of the 
church. 

The Church in Garrettsville. 

In 183s, the members increasing, a new church 
arose in Garrettsville. The veteran " Father Ru- 
dolph " and his family, Bro. Hunt, Isaac Mead, and 
the brethren Noah were principal members. John 
Henry and William Hayden were early helpers. In 
July, 1838, a meeting was conducted by J. Hartzel 
and M. Bosworth, which imparted great strength to 
the cause, and added eleven souls. The church 
flourished for several years under the charge of Bro. 
Zeb Rudolph, with John Rudolph, Jr. and Michael 
Pifer as deacons. Bro. H. Brockett held some meet- 
ings with marked success ; also AUerton, Hubbard, 
Moss, Green, and most of the proclaimers of the 
Word. 

The brethren built a good house for meetings, 
which was formally dedicated by Bro. J. Hartzel and 
A. S. Hayden. 

The congregation prospered for about twenty 
years ; till by removals and death it was so reduced 
that the meetings were closed, and the meeting- 
house eventually was sold. 

Origin and Establishment of the Eclectic 
Institute. 

Hiram College flourished seventeen years under 
the title of the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute. 

In tracing the earliest impulses in which the school 
arose, it may be sufficient to state that several men 
seemed to be impressed nearly simultaneously with 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE 26l 

the necessity for it. A. S. Hayden had been for 
years corresponding with leading members of the 
church in North-eastern Ohio, on the advantages to 
the cause of Christ of such a work ; fixing his 
thought, however, on a school for qualifying preach- 
ers of the gospel for their duties. His brother, Wm. 
Hayden, entered fully into his views, and promised 
liberal pecuniary assistance. 

The first direct practical suggestion for realizing 
these views, is due to the late A. L. Soule, Esq., 
then of Russell. At the yearly meeting in Russell, 
June, 1849, he proposed that the matter be stated pub- 
licly, and a call be made for all who were interested 
to meet at his residence on Monday morning of the 
meeting, to take the subject under consideration. It 
was agreed that A. S. Hayden should make the state- 
ment and present the call for this meeting. 

On Monday morning, June 12th, at eight o'clock, 
there was a full meeting of the councillors of the 
church. There were present : A. Bentley, Wm. 
Hayden, A. L. Soule, Myron Soule, Benj. Soule, 
Anson Matthews, Zeb Rudolph, A. S. Hayden, W. 

A. Lillie, Alanson Baldwin, E. Williams, F. Will- 
iams, E. B. Violl, M. J. Streator, W. A. Belding, A. 

B. Green, and many others. A. L. Soule was ap- 
pointed chairman, and A. S. Hayden, secretary. 
The movement was unanimously approved, and a 
resolution was passed to take steps immediately for 
founding such a school as was in contemplation. The 
secretary was instructed to prepare and send to the 
churches an address stating the object in view, and 
inviting delegates to a future meeting in which the 
views of the people might be fully ascertained. 



262 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

At this meeting, which was held in Bloomfield 
at the yearly meeting, the last of August, the 
same year, the response of the people was unani- 
mous and decided in favor of the project ; and a call 
was issued for delegates to meet at Ravenna the 
next October, for maturing plans to accomplish it. 

This adjourned meeting assembled in Ravenna, 
Wednesday, October 3, 1849. ^^' J- P- Robison was 
chosen chairman, and A. S. Hayden, secretary. It 
was found that there was a general interest in the 
enterprise. The delegates discussed various ques- 
tions relating to it, one of which was the grade or 
rank of the contemplated institution. Two classes 
of views were represented there. Some proposed 
the founding of a college, asserting our ability to 
create an institution of that grade; others were in 
favor of establishing a school of high grade, but not 
to clothe it at first with collegiate powers. Those 
latter views prevailed, and the sense of the conven- 
tion was expressed nearly unanimously in a resolu- 
tion to that effect. 

This meeting appointed five of its members a del- 
egation to visit all places which solicited the location 
of the school, to investigate and compare the grounds 
of their respective claims, and to report at the next 
delegate meeting, when the question of location was 
to be decided. This delegation consisted of Aaron 
Davis, Zeb Rudolph, B. F. Perky, Wm. Richards, 
and . 

No fewer than seven towns came in as petitioners 
for it, viz. : North Bloomfield, Newton Falls, Hiram, 
Shalersville, Aurora, Russell, and Bedford. The 
members of the delegation were sound and discern- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 263 

ing men. They performed their duty faithfully, and 
prepared an able report. Much interest was awak- 
ened on the question of location, and many awaited 
with anxious expectation the decision of that ques- 
tion. The next convention met in Aurora, Tuesday, 
November 7th. Thirty-one delegates from as many 
churches were in attendance ; also many other 
friends of the enterprise, whose presence testified 
their great interest in the subject. The meeting or- 
ganized by appointing Dr. J. P. Robison, chairman, 
(J. G. Coleman presiding part of the time,) and A. S. 
Hayden, secretary. 

The whole day was spent in hearing and discuss- 
ing the report of the visiting delegation, and in set- 
tling the plan of procedure. The balloting occupied 
much of the night. After thirteen ballotings, the 
choice resulted in favor of Hiram. The last vote 
stood ten for Russell and seventeen for Hiram, four 
delegates having returned home before the final vote 
was taken. 

The convention adjourned to meet in Hiram, De- 
cember 20th. 

This meeting at Hiram was the last delegate as- 
sembly. It elected a board of twelve trustees, viz. : 
George Pow, Samuel Church, Aaron Davis, Isaac 
Errett, Carnot Mason, Zeb Rudolph, Symonds Ry- 
der, J. A. Ford, Kimball Porter, William Hayden, 
Frederick Williams, and A. S. Hayden; and ap- 
pointed Charles Brown, Isaac Errett, and A. S. Hay- 
den, a committee to draft a charter for the school. 
This committee, with the assistance of Judge King, 
of Warren, prepared the charter, which, with a few 
slight changes, received the approval of the Board. 



264 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

The name of the institution, Western Reserve Ec- 
lectic Institute, was suggested by Isaac Errett. 
The provision in the charter that the Holy Scrip- 
tures shall forever be taught in the institution as 
the foundation of all true liberty, and of all moral 
obligation, was inserted on motion of Wm. Hayden. 
He strongly urged that this must ever be the char- 
acteristic dignity of this institution, the perpetual 
safeguard of social happiness, benign government, 
and religious freedom. The charter was forwarded 
by A. Udall, Esq., to the hands of Hon. George 
Sheldon, of Mantua, who then represented Portage 
County in the legislature, through whom it re- 
ceived the sanction of legislative enactment, March 
I, 1851. 

The corporators met in Hiram the same month, 
and, in anticipation of the confirmation of the char- 
ter, they appointed the following gentlemen a build- 
ing committee, viz. : Jason Ryder, Carnot Mason, 
Alvah Udall, Zeb RudolpH, and Pelatiah Allyn, Jr. 
At the same time Wm. Hayden was appointed a so- 
liciting agent to procure funds for the building. 
They also purchased of Thos. F. Young, Esq., 
grounds for the school, at the center of Hiram. In 
the midst of that beautiful plateau of about eight acres 
the edifice of the Eclectic Institute was erected. 

On the 27th of November, which had been an- 
nounced as the day for opening — a full suite of 
rooms was ready for the reception students. 

At the first meeting of the Board of Trustees the 
position of Principal was unanimously tendered to 
A. S. Hayden, of East Cleveland. He accepted the 
position for five years, not doubting that in that time 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 265 * 

the institution would be firmly established, and permit 
him to return to his chosen life work of preaching 
thf gospel. This period of five years was extended 
to seven, when his original purpose to retire was 
fulfilled in his resignation, June, 1857. At the same 
meeting the Board unanimously elected Thos. Mun- 
nell, an honorable graduate of Bethany College, to 
the chair of ancient languages. Mrs. Phebe Drake 
was called to be Principal of the primary department. 
With these teachers, on the 27th of November, 
1850, the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute com- 
menced its career. Eighty-four students were en- 
rolled the first day. 

The natal day of the Eclectic was celebrated by 
a meeting of the trustees, friends of the institution 
from abroad, and of the citizens of Hiram, held in 
the meeting-house. Able addresses were delivered 
by Wm. Hayden, A. B. Green, J. H. Jories, and 
others, upon the principles and objects of the school. 
The speakers, proclaimed it the completion of long 
cherished purposes, the realization of many anxieties 
and hopes. It was the accomplishment of a fact 
which would centralize our labors, quicken our hopes, 
and animate our pleadings for the gospel. This hill, 
it was predicted, would yet become a Minerva, a 
center and source of light, of literature, and of re- 
finement. From this place would go forth men of 
ample moral and mental growth, to fill stations of 
honor and usefulness in all departments of social 
life. The churches would send young men to gain 
here the skill and power to plead the gospel, and to 
lift up the cause of human redemption. 

The students increased so rapidly that the cura- 
23 



266 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

tors were obliged to call, during the first term, the 
assistance of C. D. Wilber who had just gone to 
complete his course of study in Bethany College. A 
few weeks after, Miss Almeda A. Booth was added 
to the corps of instructors. The next term the influx 
of patronage justified the Board in electing Norman 
Dunshee to the chair of mathematics and modern 
languages. 

From this period the Institute has been before the 
eyes of the public, and its history is in the hearts of 
thousands of admiring students, who have from time 
to time enjoyed the benefits of its moral instruction 
and intellectual culture. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 267 



CHAPTER XII. 

The cause planted in Sharon — Four evangelists in the field — The 
church in Hubbard — John Applegate — Bazetta receives the 
word — Biography of Calvin Smith. 

IN Sharon, on the Shenango, over the border in 
Pennsylvania, was a church under Baptist col- 
ors. It was constituted in 1804, with twenty-eight 
members. In 1806, it sent Thomas G. Jones, A. 
Bentley, then young, Jesse Hall, John Morford and 
Ed. Wright, as messengers to the Red Stone Asso- 
ciation, in Brooke County, Va. In 18 14, Isaiah Jones, 
the father of our J. H. Jones, appears as its messen- 
ger. For a few years before the principles of reform- 
ation made a stir, this church had associated with 
those on the Western Reserve. The elements in it 
were not harmoniously blended. The family of Mc- 
Cleery had emigrated from Tubbermore, Ireland, 
where they had profited by the instructions of that 
profound teacher, Alexander Carson. Holding clear 
views of the Bible, they responded promptly to the 
call for setting the churches in order, according to 
New Testament usages. The father, John McCleery, 
to venerable years added intelligence and decision. 
His sons, George, a preacher, and Hugh, a genial, 
and also an influential member, and others of the 
same enterprising family, were awake to the reform- 
atory movement which was making conquests in all 
quarters. The opposition was aroused to prevent 



268 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the spread of these new doctrines ; but these breth- 
ren plead for the justice of a fair hearing of them, 
before they should be condemned. Hugh McCleery 
went to Warren for Bentley and Scott, who were 
soon on the ground, and who preached in Sharon the 
same gospel which began in Jerusalem eighteen hun- 
dred years ago. The same results followed ; for 
*' those who gladly received the word were baptized ; " 
and had the church been the same as that at Jerusa- 
lem, it might have been said, " and the same day they 
were added " to the church. But the church utterly 
refused them admittance, because they had not come 
before the members, told a " Christian experience," 
and been accepted by a vote of the church. Bentley 
had already gone, and Scott left them immediately 
after these conversions. Elder Thomas Campbell 
then came, but all his influence for reconciHation was 
unavailing. He wrote to the church a very concilia- 
tory letter, deprecating division, and beseeching them 
to shelter the lambs. The reply was a stern refusal. 
Meanwhile, the time arrived for the " June meeting ** 
of the Baptists, to assemble in Sharon. Scott and 
Bentley had returned, but the hostility was now so 
bitter that these three excellent and venerable minis- 
ters, as also all who sympathized with them, were 
expressly refused admittance into their meeting-house. 
The excitement in the community was running high, 
and Daniel Budd, Esq., a reputable gentleman, fitted 
up his barn and opened it to the reformers, where, 
on Saturday, Sunday ^nd Monday, they proclaimed, 
to a multitude of people, the ancient gospel, which 
had filled the Roman Empire with its conquests be- 
fore any of the modern sects arose. On Monday, the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 269 

fourth one in June, 1829, on the bank of the river, 
after the baptism of some converts, was formed the 
church of Christ in Sharon. They were forced to 
this step, after much persevering effort to prevent 
a separation. Seventeen of the Baptist members 
united then, and more soon afterward. About thirty 
were that day enrolled with devout invocations by 
these three brethren, for blessings upon them from 
the Head of the church. George Bentley, Bashara 
Hull, with their families, and the McCleery family, 
were in the newly organized church. 

The declared policy of the old church was non-in- 
tercourse. A resolution was passed excluding the 
wives of Benjamin Reno and James Morford, for 
breaking the loaf with the disciples. The former, 
who was a deacon, arose and protested against such 
an unchristian act, and announced his withdrawal 
from their fellowship. Morford, a deacon and clerk, 
laid down his pen, his office and his membership, 
refusing to be a party to such a proceeding. Both 
became pillars in the new organization. The church, 
by resolution, excluded all who united with the dis- 
ciples. 

The new church had considerable talent in its mem- 
bers ; and they were firm, zealous and united. Con- 
verts were multiplied. Hayden came often among 
them, as did Henry also, and the persuasive Bos- 
worth. Applegate was near, and was quick to help. 
Allerton visited them and brought in a large number. 
And '* having obtained help from God '' through the 
hands of many of his servants, they continue a pros- 
perous brotherhood in Christ. 

These brethren have done much for Christ. Two 



2/0 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ministers have arisen among them, Prof. Amaziah 
Hull, of Oscaloosa, Iowa, and J. B. McCleery, of 
Kansas. Many of great usefulness in the West were 
trained for their work in Sharon. 

The association was appointed to meet in this 
(Baptist) church in Sharon, August, 1829, little an- 
ticipating the revolution which was to take place in it 
before that time. When that body convened, it found 
a new church, just organized on purely gospel grounds, 
all alive and strong in faith, ready to give it welcome. 
A very large and joyful meeting was the result. It 
was attended by T. Campbell, Scott, Bentley, Hay- 
den, Henry, Bosworth, Applegate, McCleery, and 
many others. It kept no records ; nor did the great 
one at Warren transmit any account of its transac- 
tions. This was doubtless an error and a misfortune. 

The reports from all parts of the field were highly 
encouraging, and the association lelt called upon to 
send out more reapers into the ripening fields. It 
selected four brethren, Scott, of Canfield ; Hayden, of 
Austintown ; Bentley of Warren ; and Bosworth of 
Braceville ; all of Trumbull County ; and sent them 
out under the seal of her sanction and authority to go 
forth " to preach and teach Jesus Christ." 

A System of Itineracy. 

These four proclaimers formed for themselves, and 
followed during the greater part of the years 1829-30, 
a very complete and simple plan. It was understood 
to be chiefly the work of William Hayden. The writer 
of these notes, from an original sketch put into his 
hands by him, prepared a copy of it for each of tHe 
evangelists. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 2/1 

A circuit was established, including sixteen stations 
at convenient distances apart. It was arranged that 
four of the places should have preaching every Lord^s 
day ; and also, that in the course of a month each of 
the sixteen places would be favored with a Lord's 
day service. The other days of the week being also 
employed, all of these posts had frequent preaching. 

Several advantages resulted from this arrangement : 

1. As the preachers followed one another in a reg- 
ular and fixed order, the churches always knew who 
was coming ; 

2. They had regular times for the preaching and 
knew when to expect it ; • 

3. Each preacher knew, at any time, where each 
one of the others was ; 

4. It afforded a profitable variety of talent and in- 
struction, giving to each community the benefit of all 
the talents ; 

5. It removed any grounds of dissatisfaction aris- 
ing from the practice of limiting the more brilliant 
speakers to the stronger communities, leaving to the 
weaker places the less eligible gifts ; a practice which 
has caused many a well begun opening to wither, and 
forced many an honest and earnest worker out of the 
field. 

This scheme of " circuit preaching" pleased as long 
as it lasted. But there was no general manager who, 
as openings were made beyond these limits, could 
** send forth more laborers into the vineyard." More- 
over, the " laborers were few ; " consequently, as the 
Macedonian cry came up from all quarters, by letters 
and by messengers, it became impossible to confine 
these evangelists. They could not resist these ap- 



2/2 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

peals. Scott, somewhat erratic, distanced all bounds. 
He was moved at beholding the whole country a prey 
to sectarianism, and having the jewel of the *' ancient 
gospel '* in his possession, he was confident it would 
soon turn the whole mutilated and dismembered pro- 
fession of Christianity back to the original apostolic 
unity. So, like a hero dismantled of arrangements 
which he felt to be an encumbrance, he flew where 
the finger of God directed, and stirred the land with 
the tidings of the gospel. 

The others maintained their course for awhile. 
But one after another they yielded to calls for help, 
and so fell this first attempt at systematic order in 
preaching the gospel. 

The Church in Hubbard. 

Jesse Hall, for more than fifteen years, had been a 
member of the Baptist church in Sharon, Pa., and 
though living about six miles distant he was a regu- 
lar attendant. He was a man of unblemished char- 
acter, of broad sense, zealous, and given to hospitality. 
Such a man could scarcely fail to gather Christian 
people around him. In the year 1820 a church, of 
the same name and order, was formed at his residence 
in Hubbard, in which himself, A. K. Cramer, Archi- 
bald Price, Jam.es Price, Walter Clark and Silas Bur- 
nett, with their families, were prominent members. 
Jesse Hall was, by far, the most influential man in 
this organization, and as deacon, he was the leader, 
councillor and chief manager. For a considerable 
time it was the ** church in his house." He was just 
the man to welcome the ** Christian Baptist;" and 
though he was very firm in purpose, the floods of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 2/3 

light poured upon the world by that work revealed 
to his penetrating mind, a Bible basis for the Church 
of God not yet fully discovered by the rival sects of 
Christendom. In 1828, when Walter Scott came 
among them, as the evangelist of the association, 
most of the members were prepared to receive him 
warmly. His forcible preaching compelled a crisis, 
and the whole church, eight or ten only excepted, dis- 
carded the creed and the name of the party, and 
adopted the New Covenant as the divinely appointed 
basis of the church, with only such names as the New 
Testament writers employ to describe the people of 
God. 

The church thus newly formed had about forty 
members. Jesse Hall and John Applegate were ap- 
pointed the overseers. They served with great fidelity 
for about twenty-five years. Their successors were 
Oliver Hart and Warren Burton. Orenous Hart 
and David Waldruff have served the church in the 
same capacity. And now, James Struble, H. Green 
and A. K. Cramer, Jr., are the acting elders. 

Under the efficient management of her ofificers the 
church grew in grace and in numbers. The zeal of 
the brotherhood knew no bounds. Applegate, under 
the judicious counsels of his able co-elder, soon be- 
came a preacher who, while he traveled much abroad, 
served his own church in public instruction for at 
least twenty years. But they were not stinted in 
their views, and in the earlier days Hubbard gained 
great renown for the victories in behalf of the truth 
through their own prayers and activities, and the co- 
operative labors of Scott, Bentley, Hayden, Henry, 
Hartzel, Alton, Saunders, and both the Bosworths ; 



274 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

and a little later, of John T. Smith, Brockett and 
Perky. Bro. J. W. Lanphear is cherished for his 
able defenses of the truth in that place. In after 
times, W. T. Horner, William S. Winfield, Willard 
Goodrich, Matthias Christy, Harmon Reeves, C. C. 
Smith and J. A. Thayer have co-operated in extend- 
ing and building up the church. 

In August, 1837, the yearly meeting for Trumbull 
County met in Hubbard. It was one of the largest 
assemblies ever gathered on the Reserve. Preachers 
and people came from far in those days, creating great 
enthusiasm. To this one came Campbell, Bentley, the 
Bosworths, Henry, Hartzel, G. W. Lucy, Applegate, 
Clapp, Rudolph, J. J. Moss, and A. S. Hayden ; nearly 
all of whom preached, exhorted, and held evening 
meetings during the great occasion. There were thir- 
teen converts. 

Two years later, this church had an accession of 
several members during a meeting in Youngstown, 
conducted by A. Campbell. Among them were Jesse 
Hall, Jr., Aaron Smith, James Struble, Moses Cole 
and Jesse Hougland. 

The growth of the church has been gradual. No 
root of bitterness has ever sprung up to cause a divis- 
ion. They began without any church property. 
For a few years, they held meetings in a building 
rather useful than costly, owned by the elder Jesse 
Hall, and which he finally deeded to the trustees, 
with the grounds belonging to it. Subsequently, 
they erected on eligible grounds a permanent and 
valuable edifice ; and with a present living member- 
ship of one hundred and seventy five, the church in 
Hubbard seems likely to pass from the present into 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE* 2/5 

the hands of the next generation, a light and a bless- 
ing to that whole country. 

Sketch of John Applegate. 

*' Tell us the story of the earlier times. Describe the 
men who lived in them, and relate to us their deeds." So 
cry out thousands, to whom the stirring events and the 
struggles which made and marked our early history have 
come down in mere fragments of information. It is not 
mere curiosity which prompts the call for this knowledge. 
It is a just and laudable desire for a knowledge of the causes 
and conditions which originated this great work, the effort 
to recover the Christian institution, in all its parts, from 
the mixture and corruptions of the long, dark day of papal 
superstition. Gratitude, doubtless, also mingles in the 
demand, that due honor may be rendered to the moral 
heroes to whom this generation is greatly indebted for 
their prompt espousal of the truth, then freshly brought 
out from the sacred Scriptures, and for their able, untiring, 
and self-sacrificing advocacy of it amid fearful struggles 
and against formidable foes. 

Beloved among these memorable men, and distinguished 
in the circle of his labors, was Bro. John Applegate. He 
was born May 13, 1797, in Bordentown, N. J. Cradled 
in the lap of frugal industry, he early saw the practical side 
of life, from the necessity imposed on him to contribute to 
the wants of the family. Ohio, at the time of his removal 
into it, had been only five years a member of the Federal 
Union. Its fertile soil was the El Dorado of hope to the 
working people in the States of the sea-board. The West- 
ern Reserve, in particular, was receiving large accessions 
to its young population by immigration from New Eng- 
land and other portions of the East. To this inviting land 
came the Applegate family, when John, the subject of this 



276 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

sketch, was only ten years of age. They settled in Hub- 
bard, Trumbull County. 

Through his father he inherited the Baptist faith. His 
mother was a pure-minded, conscientious adherent of the 
Quaker doctrine. John, very early in life, was the subject 
of deep and pungent religious convictions. From about 
the fifteenth year of his age up to his twenty-first year, 
the tempests of religious conviction, with all their harass- 
ing doubts, despondencies, and dimly gleaming hopes, 
swept across his breast. The gospel of his day was moul- 
ded in the most rigid school of Calvinism. Its doctrines 
resounded in thundering tones in groves, under forest trees, 
and in school-houses, by the Knox-like preachers of that 
early time. 

No sweet voice from Calvary came to his terrified con- 
science. He languished for relief. Sometimes he quite 
resolved to abandon hope, and yield ; to sink down among 
the eternally lost. Then from this vortex he fled, shud- 
dering at the horrible despair. He saw Calvary, and the 
meek sufferer there, ^^but, oh! for the elect alone he 
suffers there and bleeds. Oh! that I could but know it 
was for me ! ' Come,' he says, ' come unto me — you shall 
find rest.' But, then,'* his soul in anguish cried, '^that 
blessed voice is for the elect alone; I may not be one; I 
dare not stir to go,'' If some earnest comforter spoke of 
the loving Jesus, and of his invitation to sinners — '* Yes, 
but I know not the way — I can do nothing but wait ; if I 
am to be lost, I can but fulfill my destined doom." A 
genuine ^^ experience " it was, according to the standards 
of that day. Much of it ever remained a blessed memorial 
in his humble and truly Christian heart. Yet how much 
of needless torture might have been saved him ; how much 
earlier he might have found *' peace in believing," had the 
plain gospel plan of salvation been pointed out to him in 
the hour when he was seeking to ''flee from the wrath 
to come ! ' ' 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 277 

At length the ^ darkened cloud" withdrew, and peace 
shone in on his soul. He gave in his experience, was re- 
ceived by the vote of the church, and was baptized in a 
stream in the vicinity of his residence, in the month of 
March, 181 8, by Elder West. He was then in his twenty- 
first year. 

About the same time he was married to Miss Fanny 
Cramer, a woman worthy of his affections, and who, with 
even step and equal hand, bore her full share of the hard- 
ships incident to her position. Abounding in the domes- 
tic virtues, she managed her household with great prudence 
and discretion, and lived his faithful companion in all his 
life-work till very near his own departure. 

Immediately after his conversion, he began to '^exercise" 
in meetings. He was a rapid and ready talker. His articu- 
lation was very distinct and complete. He commanded a 
good voice, penetrating, and very agreeable to the ear. 
He was a singer of more than common excellence. He 
soon filled his soul, and the meetings, too, with the songs 
of joy in which he expressed the peace and hope, and love 
of a new-born soul. 

He continued to work among the Baptists for six or seven 
years, distinguished for great activity and a burning zeal. 
Wherever a word could be spoken for the Master, his diffi- 
dence yielded to the pressing sense of duty and the ear- 
nest impulses of his warm Christian heart. 

The churches and ministers in all North-eastern Ohio 
were beginning to be agitated by certain views — by some, 
looked upon as dangerous, by all regarded as novel and 
bold — of the Campbell's, father and son. In the year 
1826, Applegate heard these gifted men in Warren. His 
free mind was, by his own reading of the word of God, 
partially prepared to receive some modifications of those 
rigid views which had caused so much trouble in his own 
experience, and he went with the determination to hear 
fearlessly, and give due weight to all he heard. But he 



2/8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

was cautious ; and on returning, he received the faithful 
chidings and reprimands of the older brethren for giving 
heed to new things. 

Soon after this, Walter Scott came to Austintown. He 
was producing there a great stir among the people. This 
was the spring of 1828. All the way from Hubbard to 
Austintown came Applegate to hear Scott. He was afraid 
of him. Bentley, from Warren, and Schooley, from Sa- 
lem, were also there. After the hearing, Applegate drew 
the sword and joined in battle. The method of enlisting 
converts was too quick. Genuine conversion could not be 
so short a work. Faith, ''with all the heart,** in Jesus 
was not enough to prepare for baptism, without relating an 
experience, such as the fathers and mothers in Israel could 
approve. So went the investigation. He thought he 
*' whipped them all out ; *' and, reiterating the ancient cry, 
*' To your tents, O Israel,'* he took leave of them and de- 
parted. Riding on a few miles, his horse went slower, as 
he thought over what he had heard. At length he halted, 
and resolved to return and give these brethren a farther 
hearing. This he did, and on leaving them a second time, 
Scott and Bentley sent by him an appointment for Hub- 
bard. 

He addressed himself with new zeal, with deep and 
prayerful interest, to the study of the word of God, re- 
solved to be fully prepared to meet and discomfit them. 
But this reading partially disarmed him. He decided to 
''let them alone,** lest he might be fighting against the 
truth. 

The winter of 1829-30 saw the full consummation of 
these changes in his views. Bolder now became his testi- 
mony. He read the Word of Life to the people, and 
testified publicly every-where. Authorized by the church, 
he went to other places to teach the way of life ; and without 
any direct intention on his part, and before he was aware 
of it, Applegate "was among the preachers.** He visited 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 279 

Brookfield, Hartford, Fowler, Bazetta, and many other 
places, exhorting the brethren ; and wherever he went he 
revived the spirits of the fainting, and poured the oil of 
joy into the souls of the Lord's people. 

Few men were ever more patient, persevering, or endur- 
ing of privation and toil, in fulfilling the duties of the 
Christian ministry. Unpaid, yet uncomplaining, he trav- 
eled on horseback, often afoot, over the rough roads of 
a country yet new, never failing to meeet his appointments. 
Impelled by a lofty and sacred sense of duty, he denied 
himself the happiness of a home, whose limited store of 
earthly wealth was sweetened by the endearments of pure, 
genial and religious affection, that he might teach sinners 
in the great congregation the plain way of the Gospel of 
God's salvation. In those days preaching *' paid '* poorly 
in the pocket. Nor was fame reaped from it. Surely the 
long-continued toils and hardships of the preachers of 
that early day of the Reformation vindicate them from all 
imputations of selfishness, and stamp them with a lofty 
zeal and heroic chivalry worthy of all admiration. 

Among all our early preachers no one had less of vain 
ambition. Without guile and without envy, he was happy 
when others preached. If any surpassed him in apparent 
public usefulness, or won more rapidly the favor of the 
people, his joy at the success of the Master's work suffered 
no abatement through envy. He esteemed other preachers 
better than himself, and voluntarily chose the lower seat 
at the great spiritual feasts when many proclaimers of the 
gospel and multitudes of souls assembled at the great 
yearly meetings of North-eastern Ohio. Yet was he 
not the less esteemed, and the greetings of the people 
testified the depth and sincerity of their affection for him. 

In the spring of the year 1866, he removed from Hub- 
bard, so long his home, to Iowa, to reside with his young- 
est son Charles, near Monticello, Jones County. Two 
years after his removal came the time of his mourning for 



280 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the death of his wife. During their long pilgrimage, so 
complete had been their union in life, so like a stream 
without a ripple or an eddy had flowed their mutual affec- 
tion, that her death was a shock almost insupportable. 
Five or six months after this event, in the fall of 1868, he 
returned to Ohio, visited well-remembered friends, and 
extended his journey to his original home in the State 
of New Jersey. In the spring of 1870 he returned again to 
Iowa, and made his home with his sons, James and Charles. 
Though age was now on him, and the '' outer maij^' be- 
ginning to show signs of decay, he still preached almost 
every Lord's day. A peace-maker still, as in all his life, 
he labored to reconcile differences among brethren, some 
instances of which, among the very last acts of his life, 
are cherished with gratitude by the brethren where these 
ministrations of mercy were performed. He preached his 
last sermon at Nugent' s Grove, Linn County. Overex- 
ertion and a sudden change of weather caused a severe 
cold. Typhoid fever followed, from which he never re- 
covered. Nearly eight weeks he languished under this 
terrible scourge. His love of singing continued to the 
last. Frequently during his sickness he raised his feeble 
voice in melodious praise. 

Near the closing scene he was visited by Rev. Wil- 
son, a Presbyterian minister, who asked him if he knew 
him. By a nod of the head he gave the affirmative reply. 
Mr. Wilson then repeated a part of the twenty-third Psalm: 
^' The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want." The dy- 
ing hero waved another response, and soon the vessel of 
clay alone remained. 

Thus died, on the 17th day of February, 1 871, in Scotch 
Grove, Jones County, Iowa, at the residence of his son 
James, Elder John Applegate, in the seventy-fourth year 
of his age, having been a preacher of the gospel over forty 
years. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 28 1 



Bazetta — Baconsburg. 

The Baptist church here was formed January 22, 
1820 — eight members. James and Dorcas Bowen, 
William and Anna Davis, Samuel and Rachel Hoad- 
ley, and Samuel and Elizabeth Bacon, were dismissed 
from the church in Warren for that purpose. These, 
with Asher and Esther Coburn, Samuel B. Tanner 
and Anna Tanner, Martin Daniels and a few others, 
composed the church. Four persons, baptized the 
day previous, of whom Eben R. Coburn and John F. 
Coburn were two, were received that day. Bro. 
Bentley officiated. Asher Coburn and Samuel Hoad- 
ley were the first deacons. No bishops were ap- 
pointed, the Baptist order recognizing no such officers 
apart from the preachers. 

This church continued till the "times of reforma- 
tion.'' Her highest reported number, at any time, 
was forty-four. Bro. Edward Scofield, one of their 
number, was an earnest Christian, a man of Hberal 
views. Being a good exhorter, he was very useful. 
He got hold of the '* Christian Baptist.'* Its editor, 
in his triumphant vindication of the scriptural bap- 
tism in his debates with Walker and McCalla, had 
made a highly favorable impression on the Baptists 
every-where. He had thus gained their confidence, 
which gave a wide circulation to this his first periodi- 
cal. The reformation for which he plead was not a 
negation. It consisted in a well matured effort to 
introduce Bible views, and to establish New Testa- 
ment Christianity. Such views, so clearly propoun- 
ded, and so well sustained by argument and Scrip- 
ture, created a commotion every-where — someadvo- 
24 



282 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

eating, some opposing them. The brethren in Ba- 
zetta were not behind in these investigations. The 
traditions of less favored times were losing their hold 
on the people. The great stir in Warren, in January, 
1828, shook the church in Bazetta like the heavings 
of an earthquake. Indeed, its impulse spread like a 
tidal wave over the country. It was a time of Bible 
research, such as had not been known. The eman- 
cipation from the traditions of the church was com- 
plete — deference to the teachings of God's word was 
equally complete. The *' lively oracles " were accepted 
as meaning what they said. This grand principle 
brought all parties face to face on the Bible. People 
studied it as they never had before. It was custom- 
ary to keep a copy at hand, on the desk, or the coun- 
ter» that every-where, and on all occasions, the appeal 
to it could be instant, and its decision was final. The 
disciples were becoming strong in the faith ; many 
of them able to teach others. The church divided 
on these principles — the greater part moving on under 
the leadership of the apostles, a small minority ad- 
hering to the received standards. 

Among the converts in Scott's meeting, in War- 
ren, were Enos Bacon and Daniel Faunce. At their 
invitation, Scott and Bentley came to Bazetta in May, 
and added a number more ; who, taking member- 
ship in the existing church, were counted as Baptists. 
In the fall Thomas Campbell came and organized the 
present Church of Christ in Bazetta. Bro. Aaron 
Davis writes : " He had to fight every inch of ground. 
There was division in the ranks of the Baptist church, 
but most of the members fell in with the *new doc- 
trines,' as they were called. This stirred the ire of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 283 

Elder Woodworth, the pastor. The contest was 
sharp for awhile, as he said he would have a fair fight 
in an open field. And surely it was sharp for a time, 
but he was soon vanquished ; and most of the church 
fell in with the *new doctrine.'" 

The church numbered twenty-eight at the begin- 
ning. They found in the Scriptures that, under the 
apostles' teaching, there were elders in every church. 
Proceeding to organize on the divine model, they 
elected Samuel Bacon, Samuel Hoadley and Asher 
Coburn, bishops or elders ; and James Bowen and 
Asher W. Coburn, deacons. This was done in Father 
Bacon's barn, the only place they could get for their 
meetings. In the fall, when cool weather came, they 
repaired to his house. Finally a school-house was 
obtained, which served, for a few years, till a meet- 
ing-house was erected. During this period, and for 
many years, they had no regular preaching. They 
were served in occasional appointments, and two 
days' meetings, by the preachers then in the field ; 
and, later, by Green, Jones, Brockett, Phillips, James 
Calvin, Gates, Henselman, Dr. T. Hillock and I. A. 
Thayer. 

Several churches arose from this one. West Ba- 
zetta, Fowler, Mecca and Greene, started with mem- 
bers from this hive. In respect to its officers, fewer 
changes have been made than in many churches. 
After Samuel Hoadley, one of the first overseers, 
John Sanders was appointed. He served a few 
years. After him Aaron Davis, who has stood as an 
elder about thirty-eight years. In the place of Sam- 
uel Bacon, Calvin Smith was chosen. In the place 
of Asher Coburn, the lamented Daniel Faunce was 



284 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

elected overseer. At his demise, Otis Coburn. 
Then, after him, Seth Hulse, who serves now with 
Davis, The present number is about one hundred 
and eighty. A good house, and Bro. R. T. Davis for 
settled preacher. 

Several preachers have arisen from this church. 
The wise and excellent James Hadsel, of Indiana, 
arose in this church. John T. Phillips began here, 
though he was not sent out by this congregation. 
Here Harvey Brockett — the sainted Brockett — was 
helped on his feet. They found him in Farmington, 
showing zeal and ability in exhortation, which gave 
promise of a bright future. They moved his family 
to Bazetta, and with some help from abroad, they 
purchased and gave him thirty-five acres of land for 
a home. And Calvin Smith, famous above his asso- 
ciates. 

The church in Bazetta has long been generous in 
sustaining the yearly meetings of the county ; one 
held in August, 1841, is spoken of with much inter- 
est. It was attended by Henry, Lanphear, S. Church, 
Green, Jones, Dr. Robison, Winfield, Brockett and 
others. There were thirty-nine conversions ; Bro. 
John T. Phillips was one of that number. 

Biography of Calvin Smith. 

Among the unchronicled dead, whose labors will be held 
in perpetual remembrance, is the name of Calvin Smith. 
He lives in the affectionate remembrance of the many 
whom he turned to righteousness. Very many churches 
throughout North-eastern Ohio, with some in the East, to 
New York and New England, and in the West to Wiscon- 
sin and Iowa, will never cease to cherish the memory of 
this remarkable man. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 285 

Calvin Smith was born October 30th, 1813, in the town- 
ship of Vernon, Trumbull County, Ohio. His father died 
when he was between five and six years old. He contin- 
ued to live in poverty, with his mother, until he was eleven 
years of age, when he went to live with Ezekiel Beach, of 
the same town. When he was nearly fourteen, his mother 
was married again to Isaac Meecham, of Kinsman. He 
chose his step-father for his guardian, who bound him out 
to learn the blacksmith trade. During the six years he re- 
mained at this business, he was employed less at the anvil 
than at the desk, as an accountant. But other impulses 
fired his soul. His quick discernment and penetrating 
mind surveyed the wide domains of our intellectual nature, 
and he longed to enter, possess, and cultivate that prolific 
soil. During the time of his apprenticeship, he omitted 
no opportunity to read and study. With a temperament 
immensely active, with a keen and quick discernment and 
a most retentive memory, he gathered knowledge as the 
miser gathers gold. At twenty he bought his time and 
commenced teaching school, still employing every availa- 
ble opportunity to advance in education. 

March 19th, 1835, in his twenty-second year, he was 
married to Miss Maria Meecham, whose tastes and intel- 
lectual endowments were in perfect coincidence with his 
own. This proved to be one of the happiest of unions. With 
views, aims and purposes the same, and both possessed of 
great energy, and abounding in hope, they accumulated 
a competence, founded a house, and established a name 
which will long survive their own generation. For two or 
three years he taught winters, and summers gave his ener- 
gies to the clearing of his forest farm. 

But, though ambitious, his purposes of life had not been 
lifted above the attainment of a comfortable home and an 
honorable position in society. His heart was yet unblessed 
with the light and truth of the gospel. I quote here his 
journal : *^ I was wild and unconcerned about Christianity 



286 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

most of the time. When I was about nineteen^ I attended 
a meethig or two held by Foot, a revivalist of the Presby- 
terian order, and did all they told me to do, but did not 
get an evidence of pardon, and was afterwards rather 
skeptical. I occasionally heard the Disciples preach, and 
on the 28th of May, 1837, I was immersed by John Henry, 
and united with the church.'* 

It is of special interest to pause and note the workings 
of his mind, and the disposing causes which acted in this 
happy and eventful change in his heart and life. In him 
existed that rare and admirable adjustment of the moral 
and the rational natures by which faith is sought, but 
which refuses to believe without rational evidence. He 
longed for '^religion." He sought for '* grace." Butthough 
he eagerly and earnestly sought, human promises and ex- 
pedients failed to satisfy his strong mind, which desired a 
firm foundation on which his soul could lean so important 
a trust. Hence his disappointment; and hence his relapse 
into skepticism — a dark and dismal despondency from 
which a rare man and mighty power alone could lift him. 
In the guidings of a good Providence, such a man came. 
In this state of his heart, John Henry, whose name is a 
synonym for peerless power, came to ^^the Burgh," in Ba- 
zetta, to preach the gospel. When Henry preached all 
men heard. Smith came, heard, learned, and believed. 
Such preaching he could understand. It was the word of 
the Lord, instead of the word of man. The men were 
much alike in mental activities and social life. It was 
David and Jonathan. Each kindled life in the other, and 
both were greater men. 

From this time forward, Calvin Smith was a new man ; 
but his great work of life had not yet commenced. June 
26, 1839, he was chosen Justice of the Peace by the suf- 
frages of his townsmen. This office he filled for nearly 
eight years, and discharged its duties with fidelity and pop- 
ularity. ** During this period," he says, *^I paid more 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 287 

attention to the law than the gospel.*' In truth, he was 
rising into acquaintance and esteem with the business men 
and leading citizens of the county. The difficult and try- 
ing duties of his office he managed with skill in some im- 
portant legal cases which came before him ; and, young 
as he was, he manifested no ordinary talent in that posi- 
tion. He won the confidence of the members of the legal 
profession, and he began to be talked of as a candidate for 
the legislature. 

But other honors awaited him, and another destiny was 
before him. ** Before honor goes humility." The ap- 
plause of the world is not the praise of God. In the 
midst of all his duties now rapidly accumulating, he never 
wavered in his faith in the Lord Jesus, nor in his walk 
with the church. The church was much enlivened and 
edified by his zeal. He preached occasionally for them 
till, December 19, 1844, the church gave him letters as an 
evangelist. This widened his sphere of usefulness. He 
visited other churches, preaching on the Lord's day, and 
contributed very much to their growth in grace and knowl- 
edge. About four years he spent in this manner, dividing 
his time between preaching and the labors of his farm. 
At length the time came for him to cut the cable and 
launch upon the sea. 

November 30, 1848, commenced his first protracted 
meeting. He was now thirty-five years old. It was not 
far from his own home, a place on the line between the 
townships of Champion and Bazetta. No church was 
there, and every thing seemed discouraging. Storms swept 
along the sky and over the earth, so that the meeting, 
which was opened with a fair attendance, dwindled down 
to eight persons. A noble opportunity to prove the ster- 
ling qualities of character, which won the victory for him 
on many a hard contested field ! On the sixth night, only 
eighteen auditors, and four of them yielded to the gospel 
appeal and confessed the Lord. This meeting resulted in 



288 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

twenty-seven conversions, and the establishment of a new 
church of thirty-five members, which has continued in 
existence ever since. Before this time, however, he had 
seen souls awakened and converted through his ministry. 
In the summer of 1848, in company with Bro. James Had- 
sell, he held a meeting in Johnson, in his own township, 
with sixteen conversions. 

From this time may be dated the commencement of that 
brilliant career in the gospel which has made the name of 
Calvin Smith so widely known, and so dear to thousands. 
His active and energetic labors spread over a period of 
about ten years; but as his health was very poor during 
the last two years, only about eight years can be assigned 
for the achievements of Herculean labors which are a source 
of amazement. Wherever he went crowds gathered, and 
seldom did he quit the field without many captives for 
Christ. Often a single discourse in a place would bring 
several souls to repentance. His travels included most of 
the counties in North-eastern Ohio, and extended to the 
mountains in Pennsylvania, to New England, New York, 
and beyond the Mississippi in the West. The labors of 
a long life were condensed into these eight or nine years. 

In his trip to New England he was accompanied by Bro. 
J. T. Phillips, of New Castle, Pa. They started in No- 
vember, 1853, ^^^ spent about two months. The chief 
object of this visit was not so much immediate conversions, 
as the sowing of seed to ripen into a harvest for others to 
reap ; still there were a number brought to Christ during 
the trip. He made a trip to Eastern New York, and con- 
ducted a meeting in Poestenkill, December, 1855. 

His longest trip abroad was one of five months, the ut- 
most terminus of which was Dubuque, Iowa. He started 
on this tour August 14, 1855, and arrived at home Janu- 
ary 30, 1856. He intended to visit his particular friends, 
the Soules, and the Robinsons, late of Russell, Ohio, and 
hold a meeting at their present residence in lona County, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 289 

Michigan; but finding sickness among them, he tarried 
a few days, and proceeded westward to Wisconsin, and 
made a stand at Hazle Green. Here he preached twelve 
days and visited fifty-three families to converse with them 
on the gospel. 

He went to Lancaster and to Platteville. At the latter 
place, sect prejudice raged so violently that the Methodist 
and Presbyterian meeting-houses were both shut against 
him. He began in a school-house, but after a few days 
this also was closed. The citizens then rallied, obtained 
a hall, fitted it up commodiously, and the meeting went 
on without the interruption of a day. The meeting was a 
great success in teaching the people and in gathering souls 
into the kingdom. January 4th, 1856, he commenced a 
meeting in Dubuque, Iowa, and continued it twenty-three 
days, closing on the 27th of the month. The interest arose 
to a great height. There were seventeen additions. The 
cold was intense, the thermometer some days 30 below- 
zero. 

This was his last meeting for a year ; and, indeed he 
never recuperated from the overpowering drafts on his 
physical energies. He preached during that meeting every 
day — yet he spit blood daily, and was constantly taking 
medicine. From this time to the close of his life he was 
able to preach but little. The last of his preaching was 
in his own church in Bazetta, February, 1867, of one week 
preparatory to a meeting held there by the writer of these 
sketches; and one in Lordstown of a few days, to which 
he went while I was yet in Bazetta. I well remember him 
as he was then, emaciate and frail, but abiding in faith, and 
abounding in zeal, as when health was his in fullest meas- 
ure. It is a touching remembrance to call to mind how 
we endeavored to dissuade him from going to Lordstown, 
and his replies from a voice once so ringing and clear, now 
so consumptive and plaintive : ''I shall live only a little 
time,*' he said, *'and I may do some good by going.*' 
25 



290 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

He went. Let his own hand tell the rest, in a note writ- 
ten by him two months afterward : 

*' Came home, had an attack of lung fever; sick a long 
time, and from this sickness I shall never recover. It is 
now December 15, 1858, and I have not been able to 
speak a discourse or do any labor; and now I am con- 
fined to the house, and will ere long die with consumption. 
When I die, I hope some one will record my death, and I 
will leave the record for those interested in it.** 

This is his last written note of his life, llie next lines 
are by another hand : 

**Died on the 13th of January, 1859, Calvin Smith, 
in the 45 th year of his age, of consumption. His work 
is done, and he is entered into rest. He Mved and died 
a Christian — labored for the good of man — stood up for 
Jesus, and went home to heaven. 

** Keep us, O Lord, that we may meet him at thy right 
hand.*' 

A few weeks before his death he gave his Bible to Bro. 
Edwin Wakefield, with a request that he preach his funeral 
from the following words : * ' Blessed are the dead which 
die in the Lord, from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, 
that they may rest from their labors and their works do 
follow them.'* Rev. xiv: 13. This solemn duty was 
ably performed in the presence of a large and weeping 
assembly. His widowed companion, six daughters and 
an only living son, followed him, and '* beheld where 
they laid him.** 

^*Alas! alas! my brother,** wrote Bro. William Hay- 
detiy who visited him a short time before his death, **how 
was my spirit crushed in parting with thee ! How sweet 
was thy spirit ! How true was thy devotion to that gos- 
pel which pours floods of light and immortality on death's 
dark hour ! Thou hast obtained the true ambition. On 
thy tombstone it should be written : ' He died at his post ; * 
and in heaven it will be said, * He turned many to right- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 29 1 

eousness.* How blest the righteous when he dies ! How 
good to be embalmed in the affections of the pure in heart ! 
May my memory be blest as thine, and my last hours be 
like thine, my brother.'* 

It would be impossible to convey in words an adequate 
conception of his state of mind at departing. So calm, 
so serene, so strong in faith, so cheerful in hope ! Most 
tenderly devoted to his family, he heard no murmur or 
sigh. His religion was not a mere sentiment nor a pas- 
sion. It was a faith which actualizes the '^ things hoped 
for*' — a faith which saw the things invisible. What a 
heaven was that home for weeks before his departure ! 
Few visitors could be admitted, but it was all the better ; 
he was all the more sacred to his dear companion, who 
would have died with him, and to his children, to whom, 
in the serene blessedness of these most hallowed scenes, 
he was illustrating the faith in Jesus which he had so ex- 
tensively preached to the world. 

The hour came, and he slept; slept sweetly and in 
peace. Aged 45 years, 2 months, 14 days. 

Though short the time of his ministry, fifteen hundred 
and thirty-six souls were by him turned to God. and bap- 
tized into the Lord Jesus, besides over three hundred who 
united with the churches during and under his labors. He 
was an early and decided friend of the Missionary cause. 
He saw in this effort to associate the brethren in a great 
evangelical enterprise, a coming hope for the churches, to 
lead them into a closer unity and a better order. A large 
proportion of his great and successful labors was under the 
auspices of the Missionary Society. 

Bro. Smith was, in person, of full medium height, in 
weight about one hundred and fifty. His eye was the pic- 
ture of quickness and ready discernment ; his countenance 
was highly engaging and agreeable. He was a ready talker, 
blunt and rapid in speech, exhaustless in illustration and 
anecdote. There was a fine flowing vein of humor in his 



292 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

heart, which, with his hopeful and cheerful temperament, 
made him a most animated, social, and instructive com- 
panion. His intuitive perception of character was a 
marked trait of his mental capacities. He was seldom 
mistaken in his man. 

It is needless to say that a nature so decided and marked 
in peculiar features, carried itself into his audiences, and 
under the animation of the force and enthusiasm with 
which he commonly moved on in his sermons, he bore 
the delighted hearers along with him to the conclusions 
which he sought to impress. 

In this place it would be wrong to omit mention of 
some of the causes of his marvelous effectiveness in his 
work. Among these, his habit of visiting the people 
wherever he went, should be prominently mentioned. He 
was an untiring and most industrious visitor. He always 
visited ; went every-where ; made religious calls among 
the people, in their houses, at their workshops, on their 
farms. Wherever they were, he found them, talked with 
them, and often prayed where prayers were never before 
heard. These were not dull, dry, demure visitations. 
He was a man of the people, with the people. They saw 
this. He could tell them about common things, and 
showed himself a man with them in the experiences and 
knowledges of common life. His abounding sympathies 
went to the house and home of poverty, and cheered into 
life and hope hearts that never felt their blessed warmth 
before. It was nothing uncommon for him to visit thirty, 
forty and sixty and seventy families during a single meet- 
ing. The highest number I see recorded in his journal 
is one hundred and six during a single meeting. In these 
labors from house to house he omitted none, of whatever 
rank, or condition, or creed. He broke through all bar- 
riers, nor allowed either prejudice or religious belief tc 
prevent his getting to the people. Christ died for them. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 293 

and his it was to reach all, teach all, convert all it was 
possible to gain. 

Be sure — ye indolent, ease-loving sermon makers, that 
the people are God*s great militia ; they are his army. 
And the man who interests himself in the people, wil)^ 
find the people interested in him and his message to them. 

His style of speech was plain, clear, pointed and forci- 
ble. Though rapid in utterance, his enunciation was per- 
fectly intelligible. The words came full and rounded from 
his tongue. He had no pedantry nor artistic airs. His 
illustrations, always pertinent and pointed, were from com- 
mon things. They were so clear and appropriate, the 
people felt in them the force of demonstration. 

He believed what he preached. The intense earnestness 
of his faith carried its convictions to every mind. None 
doubted his sincerity. All saw his earnestness. The sub- 
ordinate arts of embellishment were nothing to him. '*! 
believed, therefore have I spoken.'* The word of God 
was true ; he knew, he felt it true, and he made the people 
feel it too. The grand realities of heaven, of hell, life, 
death, eternity and a judgment to come, were no toys in 
his hand. 

*' When the son of man cometh, shall he find faith in 
the earth?** Much of the preaching of this age can 
scarcely be called even a solemn farce! So vapid and 
volatile, trope, phrase, and dignity in relief; Christ, sin 
and salvation shaded in the background ! 

I am conscious this sketch will, by some, be regarded 
as long drawn out. But to thousands, it will be felt to be 
far too meager, while to one precious circle, where he was 
vastly more than king, it will seem all imperfection. I 
dare not say how much I loved him. Let this and a thou- 
sand other precious memories be as seed sown, to spring 
up into a full harvest of joy and holy fellowships when the 
saints arise in the likeness of Jesus, who is our life and 
our everlasting hope. 



294 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

CHURCHES FOUNDED BY HIM. 

1. Between Champion and Bazetta, 35 members, De- 
cember, 1848. 

2. Fowler, ^^ members, March, 185 1, 

3. Mecca, 23 members, March, 1851. 

4. Auburn, De Kalb County, Iowa, June, 1852. 

5. Jackson, 50 members, September, 1852. 

6. Russell, 23 members, October, 1852. 

7. Elmore, March, 1853. 

8. Bristol, 32 members. May, 1853. 

9. LaG range, September, 1853. 
ID. Chester, October, 1852. 

11. West Arlington, Vt., January, 1854. 

12. Kenton, Hardin County, 26 members, Feb., 1854. 

13. Hartsgrove, 33 members, November, 1854. 

14. Rome, 60 members, February, 1855. 

15. New Lyme, 18 members, March, 1855. 

16. Jefferson, 28 members, August, 1855. 

** Gone to thy heavenly rest ! 

The flowers of Eden round thee blooming. 
And on thine ear the murmurs blest 

Of Siloa's waters softly flowing 
Beneath the tree of life, which gives 
To all the earth its healing leaves. 
In the white robe of angels clad 

And wandering by that sacred river 
Whose streams of holiness make glad 

The city of our God forever ! 

" Oh ! for the death the righteous die ! 

An end, like autumn's day declining, 
On human hearts, as on the sky, 

With holier, tenderer beauty shining ; 
As to the parting soul were given 
The radiance of an opening heaven 1 
As if that pure and blessed light 

From off* the eternal altar flowing, 
Were bathing, in its upward flight, 

The spirit to its worship going." 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 29S 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Great Meeting in Austintown, 1830 — Dissolution of the Associa- 
tion — Defeat of Rigdon's Community Scheme — The Church in 
North Bloomfield — Benjamin Alton — The Cause in Farming- 
ton — Harvey Brockett — The Church in Green — W. Bartlett — 
E. Wakefield. 

FOR numbers, ardor of enthusiasm, and impor- 
tant results, no meeting on the Reserve sur- 
passed the great assembly in Austintown, in 1830. 
It was still called the association. The church at 
that place had built a meeting-house, the first one 
erected by the Disciples on the Western Reserve. 
It was completely filled Friday afternoon. Not fewer 
than twenty preachers attended it, and crowds of 
people from long distances. Yet the hospitality of 
the people provided for all. Father Hayden fur- 
nished provisions for uncounted numbers, and lodged 
a hundred and fifty ; bringing into requisition for that 
purpose not only every floor and room in his house ; 
but the barn also — empty, swept, and furnished. All 
vied with each other in the profuse generosity which 
bid all a hearty welcome. 

The meeting opened with salutations, songs, exhor- 
tations, and reports. The next day Henry stepped 
up quickly into the pulpit where were sitting the 
older preachers, and said in a low but energetic tone, 
'' I charge you to look out what you are about to do 
here ; we want nothing here which the word of the 
Lord will not sanction." They smiled at his bold 



296 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

independence as he returned to his seat. His mean- 
ing was apparent when he arose, soon after, and 
moved that the association, as an advisory council, 
be now dissolved. The resolution was offered, put 
and passed so quickly, that few paused to consider 
the propriety or effect of it. The most seemed 
pleased ; but not all. The more thoughtful regretted 
it as a hasty proceeding. Mr. Campbell arose and 
said : '* Brethren, what now' are you going to do } are 
you never going to meet again ? *' This fell upon us 
like a clap of thunder, and caused a speedy change 
of feelings. Many had come forty or fifty miles, in 
big wagons even, so eager to enjoy this feast of love. 
Never meet again ! For a little time joy gave place 
to gloom. Campbell saw there was no use in stem- 
ming the tide and pleading for the continuance of the 
association, even in a modified form. The voice of 
the reformation, at this juncture, was for demolition, 
and Scott was thought to favor the motion. Mr. 
Campbell then proposed that the brethren meet an- 
nually hereafter for preaching the gospel, for mutual 
edification, and for hearing reports of the progress 
of the cause of Christ. This was unanimously ap- 
proved. Thus ended the association, and this was 
the origin of the yearly-meeting system among us. 

As this action and this occasion became a turning 
point in our history, a few remarks upon it are de- 
manded : 

I. For three years of unparalleled success we had 
organic unity of the churches, and harmony of action 
among the preachers. At New Lisbon one evangel- 
ist was sent out ; at Warren, two ; at Sharon, four : 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 297 

the association in this acting as a delegate body 
only for evangelical purposes. 

2. At the dissolution of the association the sys- 
tem of evangelization under the auspices and direc- 
tion of the brotherhood ceased and perished. No 
one was sent out by that body, as it ceased to be ; 
nor by the yearly meeting, for no such power was 
then assumed by the " yearly meeting," nor has been 
since. 

3. Then perished the principle of concert of ac- 
tion among us for evangelical purposes ; and it lay 
dormant for years. 

4. Therefore we have been, in this respect, in a 
state of apostasy from our first principles. 

5. Due discrimination was not made between the 
evangelical, which was right, useful, and not liable to 
dangerous results ; and the ecclesiastical, against 
which the opposition was directed ; and that in the 
overturn of the one, which was, perhaps, liable to 
objections, the other was destroyed, which was the 
true principle, and ought to have been carefully pre- 
served, guarded, and, perhaps, improved. 

6. Efforts, unavailing, were often made in our 
yearly meetings afterwards, to revive the evangelic 
feature of the lost association ; pleaded for by our 
own example and history, and by the increasing tes- 
timony of our experience. 

7. Wise men saw the evil, and deplored the result 
at the time and afterwards ; as Benajah Austin, 
William Hayden, whose persistent appeals for its re- 
suscitation provoked many, and by Mr. Campbell, who 
writes thus in the Millennial Harbinger for 1849, 
p. 272 : 



298 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

*'I have before intimated my approval of the Baptist 
associational formulas, pruned of certain redundencies and 
encroachments upon faith, piety, and humanity. I was 
present on the occasion of the dissolution of the ^Ma- 
honing Baptist Association* in 1828,* on the Western 
Reserve, State of Ohio. With the exception of one ob- 
solete preacher, the whole association, preachers and peo- 
ple, embraced the current reformation. I confess I was 
alarmed at the hasty and impassioned manner in which 
the association was, in a few minutes, dissolved. I then, 
and since, contemplated that scene as a striking proof of 
the power of enthusiasm and of excitement, and as dan- 
gerous, too, even in ecclesiasticalas well as in political 
affairs. Counsel and caution, argument and remonstrance, 
were wholly in vain in such a crisis of affairs. It would 
have been an imprudent sacrifice of influence to have done 
more than make a single remonstrance. But that remon- 
strance was quashed by the previous question, and the 
regular Baptist Mahoning Association died of a moral 
apoplexy in a quarter of an hour. 

'^ Reformation and annihilation are not with me now, 
as formerly, convertible or identical terms. We want oc- 
casional, if not stated, deliberative meetings on questions 
of expediency in adaptation to the ever-changing fortune 
and character of society.*' 

There occurred at this meeting a passage at arms 
between Mn Campbell and Mr. Rigdon. It was only 
about two months previous to the fall of that star 
from heaven. On Saturday, Rigdon introduced an 
argument to show that our pretension to follow the 
apostles in all their New Testament teachings, re- 

* As it relates to forms and reports of its doings, it ceased at 
Warren, 1828. But the resolution for its dissolution was passed at 
Austintown, 1 830. Bro. Campbell was present on both occasions. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 299 

quired a community of goods ; that as they estab- 
lished this order in the model church at Jerusalem,. 
we were bound to imitate their example. The saga- 
cious mind of Mr. Campbell saw at once the confu- 
sion and ruin that would result from such doctrines 
plausibly presented before a large, eager multitude, 
many of whom were new converts. He arose and 
offered a correction of the mistake. This did not 
satisfy the zealous Rigdon. He rejoined. Mr. Camp- 
bell felt the necessity of settling the matter, and in 
a half hour's speech he set forth the following 
points : 

1. The ''community system," in the second of 
Acts, was formed not to make property, but to con- 
sume it, under the special circumstances attending 
that case. 

2. The matter about Ananias and Sapphira put an 
end to it. 

3. Sundry passages in Corinthians and elsewhere, 
calling for contributions for benevolent objects, show 
that no such system prevailed in the primitive 
churches. 

This put an end to it. Rigdon finding himself 
foiled in his cherished purpose of ingrafting on the 
reformation his new community scheme, went away 
from the meeting at its close, chafed and chagrined, 
and never met with the Disciples in a general meet- 
ing afterward. On his way he stopped at Bro. Aus- 
tin's, in Warren, to whom he vented his spleen, 
saying ; ** I have done as much in this reformation 
as Campbell or Scott, and yet they get all the honor 
of it!" 

On Lord's day, from a stage prepared in a grove. 



300 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the addresses were delivered to an immense con- 
course. Mr. Campbell's discourse was based on the 
language, ''This is a faithful saying, and worthy of 
all acceptation, that Christ yesus came into the world 
to save sinners!' i Tim. i: 15. Two propositions, 
he affirmed, are in the passage : i. That the gospel is 
true ; 2. That it is good. Taking the first proposi- 
tion, he delivered a sermon of great power on the 
evidences of Christianity. 

About a thousand conversions in the previous year 
were reported ; over forty united on that occasion. 
For many years this meeting was referred to as con- 
spicuous among the joyous religious festivities so 
numerous on the Western Reserve. 

North Bloomfield. 

Benjamin Alton was born February 22, 1799. ^^^ 
early life was spent in Genesee County, New York. At 
the age of eighteen, he was a zealous exhorter among the 
Methodists. Falling in with Elder Wm. True, of the 
** Christian Connection,** he was baptized by him, and 
continued to preach the gospel as he understood it. 

About the year 1827, he moved to North Bloomfield, 
Trumbull County. He was a man of marked abilities, 
full size, finely formed, and possessed most winning man- 
ner and tender speech. He had been very successful as 
a revivalist among the ** New Lights*' or "Christians.** 
In the process of his ministry he became convinced that 
something was radically wrong in the exhibition of the 
gospel in these times, as no case is to be found in all the 
history of the apostles* preaching of penitent sinners 
mourning for days and nights, and sighing for undis- 
covered pardon. The sensitive heart of the sympathetic 
Alton was overwhelmed, as he saw many souls weeping 
under conviction for sin, crying out to know what they 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE 3OI 

should do, while the only answer ever given was to con- 
tinue in that very condition of agony, and that relief some 
time and in some way might be expected. Disgusted and 
discouraged, he resolved to hide himself away in a 
*' lodge*' in the wilderness, and there in quietness and 
seclusion, to live for his family and heaven. He settled 
on lands in the dense forests of Bloomfield. He had 
traveled much, and witnessed with grief and shame the 
sectarianisms of the day ; and, moreover, he thought it a 
great mistake that the gospel contained no express pro- 
vision by which a repenting sinner might be assured at 
once of the forgiveness of his sins. He was fast tending 
to skepticism, and might have been swept into the vortex 
of infidelity, but for an incident which called him forth to 
the light and to great usefulness. 

About the year 1829, the good people of Bloomfield 
called a public meeting, and resolved to unite in raising 
a fund to support preaching, and all go to meeting to- 
gether. It was an effort, after its kind, to form a union 
for religious purposes ; a union out of diversity. But the 
union not arising out of previously existing unity — the only 
condition of a permanent union — it proved of short du- 
ration. Yet they entered into the enterprise in good 
heart, with good intentions, and good omens. As the 
Presbyterians were the most numerous, they were to have 
the house half the time ; the Baptists and the Methodists 
one quarter, and the Unitarians the other quarter. Squire 
Brown, a prominent citizen, was to secure the Unitarian 
minister. By some of the more rigid in sentiment he 
was thought to be skeptical ; but he entered heartily into 
the arrangement as a means of the moral improvement of 
the town. By him Benjamin Alton was engaged. Alton, 
thus called from his coveted retreat, consented to gird 
himself again in the panoply of the gospel. He came 
regularly to his appointments. He would sit quite a 
while in the pulpit, and then, rising, proceed to preach 



302 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

without singing or prayer. He usually preached on the 
prophecies, and many became interested in his sermons. 

About this time William Hayden preached at the center 
of Bloomfield, and staying over night with Alton, these 
two Bible men spent much of the night searching the 
Scriptures in relation to the ancient gospel, particularly as 
it relates to the manner in which the apostles preached it, 
and brought convicted sinners into the light and peace of 
pardon. In the course of the same year, Alton heard 
Thomas Campbell. In that discourse he saw the scrip- 
tural plan of salvation. The darkness, which like a cloud 
had rested on the Bible, cleared away, and he discovered, 
to his great joy, that God had not left us ignorant of what 
to do to be saved. Like Saul, when the scales fell from 
his eyes, he forthwith preached the gospel after the mod- 
els found in the sermons of the apostles. 

The alarm was sounded at once. The people had 
never agreed to hear a ^' Campbellite.'* The union ex- 
ploded and went to the four winds. The people called 
another meeting, dissolved the covenant, and each party 
agreed to support its own meeting. 

Alton kept up his appointments. Four or five were 
baptized this season. In 1 830-1, some others were con- 
verted. In 1832, Bro. Alton preached half the time, and 
began to attend regularly to the Lord's Supper. They 
were now meeting in a school-house, where they continued 
several years, during which time they were growing 
strong and more numerous, under the visits of Hayden, 
Henry, the Bosworths, Applegate, and others. 

In 1836, Bro. Alton moved to De Kalb County, Indi- 
ana. There he displayed the same zeal which had always 
warmed his own heart, and melted the hearts of hundreds. 
Suffering all the hardships of pioneer life in a densely 
wooded country, contending with marsh and miasm, he 
still found time to preach the gospel and plant churches. 
With a numerous family, little money in the country, and 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 3O3 

nothing to sell to procure any, his fare was the plainest, 
and his costume any thing but clerical. Sometimes with- 
out a coat — but a wrapper instead — a shoe on one foot, the 
other honored with a boot, he traveled afoot to his ap- 
pointments. His genial disposition, manly form, sweet- 
ness of countenance, and earnest, convincing pathos, full 
of Scripture withal, brought many from far to hear his 
sermons, and many turned to righteousness. Some of the 
churches planted by him in that wilderness, are yet stand- 
ing and flourishing. 

As illustrative of the straightened condition of those 
days, a young man wished Elder Alton to perform for him 
the marriage ceremony. Unable to pay money for the 
service, he stipulated to compensate him with pumpkins ! 
The service was rendered cheerfully, to the satisfaction of 
the happy bridegroom, and the next day he brought a 
large load of selected ''fruit of vine,*' and delivered them 
to the very needy and equally gratified parson. 

Exhaustive toil, and the malaria of the rich opening 
soil, undermined his naturally hardy constitution. He sank 
gradually to a feeble state from which he could not rally. 
His wife, the faithful sharer of his life and fortunes, sank 
with him and before him. She died March 24, 1847. He 
survived thirteen days longer, and fell asleep, April 7th, 
aged only a little over forty-eight years. He was univer- 
sally lamented. His talents commanded the respect of 
the people, who sought to put him on the ticket for politi- 
cal fame. But he chose to suffer reproach with the people 
of God. Like all men who move men for God, he was a 
most devoted Bible student. It is said he had the whole 
New Testament by heart. His family are religions, and 
his youngest son, Cyrus Alton, is devotedly engaged in 
the ministry of the gospel. 

The little band in Bloomfield had organized as a 
worshiping assembly with eleven members. Among 



304 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

them were Nelson Works, Bro. Netterfield and his 
wife, Mary Sager, Polly Green, and Mehitabel Thayer. 
Bro, Works was appointed to take the lead of the 
meetings. Bro. Alton's removal left them much dis- 
couraged ; but they were not cast down nor forsaken. 
In October, 1836, Marcus Bosworth visited them, and 
learning the condition of the church, thought it nec- 
essary to take steps to complete their organization, 
their number being now considerably increased. 
This was done the nineteenth of that month. The 
following new names were taken at this time, viz.: 
Zephaniah Luse, Ruhama Luse, Wm. M. Bellows, 
Benjamin Bellows, Josiah Bellows, Rachel Bellows, 
Mary Ann Bellows, Henry G. Neal, Clarissa Neal, 
Wm. Parker, Charles Thayer, Clarissa Wilder, Can- 
dace Green, Nancy Green, Anna Sager, Rebecca 
Sager, Miriam Smith. 

The church has never lost its identity. It was as- 
sisted by the preaching brethren of the time ; the 
brethren Hayden, Henry, Hartzel, Applegate, Cyrus 
and Marcus Bosworth, Clapp, Collins ; and a little 
later by Lucy, Brockett, Perky, Calvin Smith ; and 
later still by Edwin Wakefield, W. A. Belding, C. C. 
Foote, and H. Reeves. 

In the winter of 1848, Bro. Isaac Errett held a 
meeting in the Congregational church at the center 
of the town. Bro. Charles Brown made every ar- 
rangement to secure for him a favorable hearing. 
The church was doubled in numbers, and the cause 
of religious reformation lifted up to the notice of a 
large number of the people in the township. Their 
place of meeting in the school-houses was too small 
for the assemblies, and in 1849, the meeting-house 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 30$ 

at the center was built, and Bro. Errett moving there 
in October, that year, he became the first pastor of 
the church. He remained two years, adding numbers 
and strength to the congregation, preaching also in 
other communities, so that the principles of this 
religious reformation were established in various 
places. The church in Green was formed chiefly 
under his ministry. 

April 19, 1840, Nelson Works and H. G. Neal 
were appointed Elders. William Parker served also 
awhile in that capacity. In 1842, John Sager was 
elected deacon. These, and others after them, per- 
formed the duties of their respective offices without 
ordination. Some new officers having been selected, 
the church set apart April 19, 1854, for the purpose 
of ordaining them after the scriptural example. On 
that day Bro. Edwin Wakefield was, by imposition 
of hands, with prayer and fasting, set apart to the 
" work of an evangelist ; " brethren Nelson Works 
and Charles Brown were, in like manner, ordained 
as elders ; and John Sager, David Snyder, Chester 
Howard, and N. B. Ferry were ordained deacons. 
Brethren Cyrus Bosworth, M. S. Clapp, Isaac Errett 
and B. F. Perky were the officiating ministers. 

This church owes much to the unwavering faith- 
fulness of her time-honored elder. Nelson Works. 
Through all her trials he has held firmly the stand- 
ard, its honored flag unfurled and aloft. Around it, 
with supporting encouragement, a number of the sis- 
ters, whose names are in the book of life, have as 
faithfully rallied, displaying a zeal, constancy, and 
devotion worthy of special commendation. In this 
connection also, the godly zeal and cheering voice of 
26 



306 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Brockett comes to remembrance. In the darkest 
days he would cheer the little company of believers 
with assurances that the gospel would yet triumph 
in Bloomfield. And when at length the day dawned, 
and such an ingathering attended the labors of Bro. 
Errett, " he is but reaping/' said the sincere Brockett, 
*' the fruits of the sowing of others." 

The Cause in Farmington. 

Like most of the churches the congregation in 
Farmington is an example of Christians coming to- 
gether in gospel order from different "orders/* so 
called. In 1818, Abijah Lee came into that town 
with his family. He was a Baptist. His son, Isaac 
Lee, who had embraced religion among the Metho- 
dists, went after a few years to Kirtland. There in 
the great reformatory movement under Bentley and 
Rigdon, in 1828, he saw the great difference be- 
tween Christianity as a unity, as contained in the 
Holy Scriptures, and an organized " branch " of the 
church. He dropped the terms and title of schis 
matic party, and stood for uniting Christians in 
Christ Jesus. He returned to Farmington in the 
spring of 1829, and found a young man, Harvey 
Brockett, much awakened on the subject of religion. 
Lee found little trouble in teaching him the " obe- 
dience of faith " as now re-proclaimed by the disci- 
ples. He received the truth "with all readiness of 
mind" and was baptized by his friend Isaac Lee. 
Meantime Father Abijah Lee, his family and others 
there, were reading the " Christian Baptist." The 
powerful stimulus of that revolutionary periodical 
awakened inquiry in the minds of many. Soon Ben- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 307 

jamin Alton was on the ground, and to full houses 
announced the call to the Bible — to Pentecost — to 
Christ. A local Methodist preacher confronted him, 
but God in his truth was mightier than man in his 
ignorance of it ; and the people " heard him gladly/' 
In 1830, a church was formed, with Abijah Lee as 
leader, which met every Lord^s day according to the 
commandment, to keep the ordinances as they were 
delivered to the church by the apostles. With no 
chart but the unerring Word, they launched on the 
ocean under the pilotage of the Captain of salvation. 

They numbered at the beginning about twenty. 
The Baptists gave them Abijah Lee and wife, and 
Daniel Dayidson and his wife. Isaac Lee, for a little 
with the Methodists, and Harvey Brockett also now 
rallied with them and the new converts around the 
" ensign " lifted up for all nations on the day of Pen- 
tecost, A. D. 33. 

Alton did not forsake them, nor were they wanting 
in zeal nor gifts among themselves. They lost no 
opportunity to teach the people ; and they were con- 
stant in mutual edification. The sincere Applegate, 
the tender Bosworth, the rapid Henry, and the ener- 
getic Hayden, labored among them early and with 
much success ; as did also Collins, Clapp, and Hartzel. 

Sketch of Harvey Brockett. 

All honor to the church that could produce a Brockett ! 
He was a man of attractions. Few men in so short a ca- 
reer have left so lasting results to witness for their devo- 
tion to Christ. He was born April 13, 1806, in Onon 
daga County, New York. In 182 1, he came with his 
parents to Farmington. When he was ten years old, his 
mother, a devoted Christian, gave her son to God, and 



308 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

bidding him follow her, she left him, and was borne to 
her grave amid plentiful tears. From that day, heaven 
was to him a dear place. The Savior was precious ; the 
Bible was sacred; but confused by the teaching of the 
day he found no peace, till in his twenty-third year he 
obeyed the Lord Jesus Christ. His way was now clear, 
and the young disciple and future preacher of righteous- 
ness studied diligently the Holy Scriptures, and began to 
exhort sinners to turn to God. He rose rapidly. His 
whole nature was aglow. Gifted with great copiousness 
of language, and fluency of speech, his natural timidity 
yielded to his mastering zeal, and he was heard gladly 
wherever he went. The church of Bazetta caught hold of 
the hand of this young Timothy, gave him a home among 
them, and helped him on his way. 

For about twelve years he was among the churches. 
And who shall describe the swell of holy enthusiasm 
which every- where attended his labors ? Converts came 
like the dew-drops of the morning. In his hands the gos- 
pel was luminous and tender, melting the heart, and con- 
vincing the judgment with such a power, and an array of 
evidences so abundant and pungent, that all who heard 
admired, and many yielded to his trumpet call to repent- 
ance. He preached twice a day, sometimes thrice, sung 
much, was a great talker, and not having, like Paul, a 
Silas or Timotheus to baptize his converts, his personal 
administrations of that sacred ordinance were almost daily. 

He was cheerful, but never trifling, serious, and most 
earnest, with a voice of good compass and charming tone. 
His pathos excelled his logic, in which, however, he was 
not deficient. His sermons were long, closing up with ex- 
hortations of warmth and power. He overworked ; his 
constitution lost its iron, and he became a prey to frailty 
and fever. On the 12th of September, 1848, his most 
active and useful life closed at his home in Sharon, Penn- 
sylvania. He was twice married; the last time to Mrs. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 3O9 

Margaret McCleery, relict of Hugh McCleery, of Sharon. 
She was much respected for her benevolence and steadfast- 
ness in the faith, and has recently joined him in the prom- 
ised rest. 

The Church in Green Founded. 

The church in Green, Trumbull County, was or- 
ganized the first Sunday in January, 1851, by Isaac 
Errett and C. Bosworth. The following eleven per- 
sons were the members : Walter Bartlett and Pru- 
dence Bartlett, Wm. D. Morris and Mary A. Morris, 
Edwin Wakefield and Mary Wakefield, Eldad Barton 
and California Barton, Austin Dean, Deborah Curtis, 
and Polly Smith. Walter Bartlett was chosen over- 
seer, and Wm. D. Morris, deacon. There were twenty 
additions during the year ; ten in a meeting held by 
Calvin Smith in November after this organization. 

Bro. Edwin Wakefield, widely and favorably known 
for his success in the gospel, was baptized here 
in the spring of 1845, by the able Perky, in a meeting 
held there by him. Bro. Bartlett has from the be- 
ginning held a leading position. He was born 1801, 
and came to Mecca with his parents in 18 18. In 
1 82 1, he heard Mr. Campbell deliver two discourses 
in Warren, which were " nails driven in sure places " 
with him. He united with the F. W. Baptists, and 
preached among that people a few years. His asso- 
ciations and reading opened his mind to the plea and 
principles of the disciples ; and as he earnestly sought 
only to know and teach the truth, he sometimes pro- 
claimed sentiments not in the theological system of 
that sect. He was arraigned in the quarterly meet- 
ing for heresy, and after various hearings, they re- 
fused to renew his license. They granted him a 
letter, and as the brethren in Bazetta had been kind 



3IO EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

to him, he presented to them his letter, was received, 
and after due time was ordained an elder in the con- 
gregation. This was in 1836, Though no church 
was established in Green till the year 185 1, as above 
related, Bro. Bartlett's tongue was not silent, nor his 
light under a cover. There was occasional preaching 
there by Alton, Brockett, Perky, Hartzel, and Bos- 
worth. Wm. Hayden and Elder T. Campbell ex- 
plored the land as early as 1828. 

The church numbers about eighty members. Bro. 
E. Wakefield has long been a "captain of hundreds" 
among them, and his. son, E. B. Wakefield, is rising 
to usefulness as a proclaimer of the gospel. Bro. A. C. 
Bartlett, son of Bro. W. Bartlett, for many years be- 
fore the public, is a gift to the cause from this church. 

Bro. W. Bartlett writes : " It is wonderful to see what 
great results sometimes spring from small causes. I 
can not doubt that my hearing A. Campbell in 1821, 
was the cause of my withdrawing from the F. W. 
Baptists and uniting with the Disciples ; and this led 
me to labor for an organization in Green, which, 
through the blessing of God, I have seen accom- 
plished. The seed, after passing through more than 
one crucible, and occasionally watered, not only 
brought forth the blade in 1836, but the full ear in 
185 1, and has produced fruit ever since. How Httle 
did I think when I was listening to those sermons 
that they were to have an influence on me through 
all my life ! But I now know that this has been the 
case. It has taught me to sow the seed of the king- 
dom wherever I could, for I knew not how much 
might fall on good ground, and bring forth fruit in 
the salvation of souls.*' 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 3II 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Primitive Christianity in Deerfield — E. B. Hubbard — Experiences 
of J. Hartzei — Church formed — Scott's Sermon — Captain Al- 
lerton surrenders — John Schaeffer relieved of Lutheranism. 

EPHRAIM B. HUBBARD was born in Duchess 
County, New York, February 28, 1792. His 
father, of Connecticut ancestry, moved to Deerfield, 
Portage County, Ohio, in 1802, Ephraim being then 
ten years old. His early life was the usual toil and 
privations in a new country. His education was 
gained in the primitive log school-house. But the 
thirsty soul can drink water from goblet or gourd. 
Hubbard learned rapidly, and acquired information 
which placed him high among his fellow-citizens, and 
eventually raised him to a seat in the Ohio Legislat- 
ure. 

July I, 1817, he married Miss Mary McGowan, 
whose father was an early emigrant from Maryland. 
After raising eight children, and filling faithfully the 
duties of domestic and social life, she fell peacefully 
asleep, October 13, 1839. Hubbard was re-married 
to Miss Jerusha Reed, and is enjoying life at eighty- 
three. 

The Methodists pre-empted Deerfield. The Hub- 
bards gave assent to their assumed claim, all except 
Ephraim. He held membership with them about 
four years, but he openly protested against the creed 
and discipline as a direct challenge of the rights 



312 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

of the King. He felt relieved, however, of responsi- 
bility on the subject, as he had been cordially received 
with expressed opposition to it as an unauthorized 
usurpation of the place of the Word of God in the 
government of his church. 

About this time a Methodist class was formed in 
Smith Township, under the leadership of Gideon 
Hoadley. This class solicited Hubbard to unite and 
assist them. To this he consented on condition that 
he should not be required to assent to the ** disci- 
pline." This band of Christians, acting on their in- 
herent rights, and, in this act, setting aside the rules 
of the Methodist church, unanimously agreed to his 
terms. Accordingly, himself and his wife, who was 
a Baptist, became members the same day. With the 
same noble sentiments, his brother-in-law, Samuel 
McGowan, a Baptist, and his wife, a Presbyterian, 
offered themselves for membership. Some demurred, 
alleging that the rules of the church should be en- 
forced. Bro. Hubbard asked them to delay a de- 
cision for two weeks, and to search the Word of God 
for authority to guide their action. To this they 
assented ; and at the end of that time, no precedent 
or other authority for a period of probation being 
found, McGowan and his wife were cordially received. 

As soon as this was known by the authorities of 
that church. Presiding Elder Swaize came with the 
circuit rider, Rev. Mr. Taylor, denounced these whole 
proceedings as a violation of the rules of the disci- 
pline, and declared the class dissolved. 

But this was not the last of it. The most of the 
class were so dissatisfied with this invasion of their 
rights as men and Christians, that they held them- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 313 

selves aloof from any farther union with the M. E. 
Church, and stood ready for the coming light, which 
was soon to result in a practical and permanent union 
of these and many others on New Testament 
grounds. The leader of the class, Bro. Hoadley, be- 
ing one of this number. 

As the history of a religious movement is identical 
with that of its chief actors, I insert some notice and 
experiences of Biv>. Jonas Hartzel, associated with 
the origin of this church, and long identified with it. 

He was born October 19, 1803, in North Hamp- 
ton County, Pa., In 1805, his parents settled, with 
several other families of the same name and kindred, 
in Deerfield, then quite an unbroken wilderness. 
Now let his own pen continue the recital : 

''On the second day of June, 1825, the marriage con- 
tract between myself and Miss Alice Wallahan was con- 
summated. In religious profession we were divided ; but 
in religious tendencies, industrial habits, domestic econ- 
omy, and love of home, we were happily united. 

*^Soon after this my mind became more seriously af- 
fected with my religious condition. My wife being a 
Methodist, we occasionally attended Methodist preaching. 
This brought before me the complications of Calvinism 
and Arminianism. Sovereign grace put on the more ortho- 
dox face, but free grace wore the more pleasant smile. 
But the effect was uncertainty and doubt, and this was 
followed by skepticism in the current religion of the 
times. Meanwhile I said nothing in relation to my 
troubles, until in an evil hour I communicated the state 
of my mind to my father. It was, as we then called it, 
a sacramental occasion. I attended all the sessions until 
Monday morning. 

'' My father saw from my movements that I did not 
27 



314 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

intend to go to meeting. He came to where I was at 
work, and asked: * Jonas, an't you going to meeting to- 
day?* To which I said: 'Father, you know my business 
is urgent, and going to meeting is doing me no good ; I go 
to our meeting, and our preacher preaches unconditional 
election and reprobation; I go to Methodist meeting, and 
the preacher will preach an opposite doctrine from the 
same text. Father, there is something wrong. We all 
say we are influenced by the same spirit ; we are all read- 
ing the same Bible ; we are all traveling the same road to 
the same heaven. The different parties acknowledge each 
other to be Christians, but each party says my way is the 
right way, and I can not tell which way is the right one.* 
To this my father made no reply, but as he turned away, 
I saw the falling tear. My regret for this freedom was 
bitter. I threw down my tools, and I was in the meeting- 
house as soon as himself. 

*' Not long after this a new trouble sprang up. Having 
returned from meeting, and dinner over, my wife asked : 
' What evidence is there for infant baptism ? * This ques- 
tion, coming from this source, produced strange emotions. 
Knowing that the subject of baptism was not under discus- 
sion in our respective families or neighborhood, added no 
little to my surprise. 'Alice,' I said; 'why do you ask 
me this question? ' ' If there is any evidence in the Bible 
for infant baptism, I want it, for I never had any confi- 
dence in my baptism,' was her reply. 'Well,' I replied, 
'I can satisfy your mind.' 

" I took down the Scriptures, and read those passages 
upon which I had always relied for defense. I read them, 
but the reading was of no avail. I must draw inferences. 
The Lord only knew the deep mortification I suffered. 
My witnesses were against me. I saved appearances as 
best I could, laid up the book, and said we would talk 
upon this subject at another time. I now saw the differ- 
ence between the controversialist and the impartial in- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 315 

structor. I could no more mislead my dear wife, than my 
own soul. Before this, I saw infant baptism in ' Suffer 
little children to come unto me,' in the baptism of Cor- 
nelius, Lydia, the jailer, Stephanas, and their households ; 
and when hard pressed by an opponent I could find it in 
circumcision, but under these new circumstances it had de- 
parted, given up the ghost without a struggle or a groan, 
and left me in mourning. 

^'Between denominational pride and conviction there 
was a fierce contest for a short time. But I finally resolved 
to be true to my convictions, and I made an honest sur- 
render. I said, 'My dear wife, I can give you no Bible 
evidence for infant baptism, for there is none. I am now 
convinced that it is a human device; and neither we, 
nor so much as one of our extensive family connections 
are in the church of Christ, according to the law of the 
Lord.' 

'* I now became more confirmed in the conviction, that 
there was something wrong in the denominational exhibi- 
tions of Christianity. I had been misled by wise and good 
men. I also discovered that I had never read the Script- 
ures, to form sentiments for myself. My religion consisted 
in opinions, rather than faith. I had been acting upon the 
credit system, and I was determined to abandon it at once. 
This led us to the only reliable source of knowledge. We 
now began to read the Bible as we had never read it be- 
fore. The question of infant baptism was now disposed 
of, and we regarded ourselves as unbaptized. Then we 
examined the specific passages in the New Testament on 
faith. This was the subject of my greatest trouble. 
Sometimes I thought I had a hope, and again I doubted. 
I knew I had never felt and experienced what others said 
they had, and I attributed my darkness to unbelief. Yet I 
knew I did believe. But, in our classification at that time, 
there were four kinds of faith — speculative, historical, 
dead, and saving faith — the latter only was of saving 



3l6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

value. This faith I supposed I had not, and had no 
means of obtaining. The first three might be the result 
of the Scriptures, and were of no avail ; while saving faith 
was the direct gift of God. This gift was the burden of 
my daily prayer. In our course of reading we came to 
this Scripture: ^And many other signs truly did Jesus in 
the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this 
book : but these are written, that ye might believe that 
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God ; and that believing 
ye might have life through his name./ John xx: 30, 31. 

^' I exclaimed! ^This faith I have had from my child- 
hood ! ' 

** I said, adopting the language of David, ^ The Lord 
has brought me into a large place. ' This discovery came 
like a flood of light. The gospel in all its facts and phases 
assumed new and lovely aspects. The gospel appeared 
intelligible, and its promised blessings accessible. This 
was to us the beginning of a new life and new joys. We 
had new incentives to read the Bible.'* 

Samuel McGowan was a devout man, possessed 
of solid mind, with great power of analysis. One 
day he met Jonas Hartzel, his brother-in-law, and 
said : " I fear Alexander Campbell has fallen into a 
grievous error." ** What is it.?'' '* In the last 
number of the * Christian Baptist * he maintains that 
baptism, preceded by faith and repentance, is for the 
remission of sins." Hartzel replied : " I have advo- 
cated that for some months past myself. In defend- 
ing anti-pedobaptist views with other folds, I re- 
ferred to Acts ii : 38 ; where it says, * Repent, and 
be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the 
remission of sins.' I found this to be a new and 
unanswerable argument against infant baptism." 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 317 

" Well," said McGowan, ^' I guess you '11 read the 
^ Christian Baptist ' now !" 

Thus the investigations ran, till the Hartzels, 
Hubbards, McGowans, Finch, and others agreed to 
form a society for the investigation of Scripture 
subjects. They were fully awake to the sad condi- 
tion of the Christian churches, so called, divided, 
alienated, contradictory in doctrine and work, and 
that this state of things was not only unauthorized 
by the word of God, but contrary to it. And they 
were equally convinced both of the truth of the 
Holy Scriptures, and the unity of their teaching on 
all practical subjects. This noble band of men and 
women bound themselves together to find out that 
truth, and to walk together in it. They resolved to 
meet weekly, and semi-weekly when convenient. 
This was in March, 1827. Bro. Hartzers pen may 
proceed with the story: 

*' There were in this little band the following persons : 
Cornelius P. Finch, a Methodist preacher, and his wife; 
Ephraim B. Hubbard and his wife, he an active Metho- 
dist and his wife a Baptist ; Samuel McGowan and wife, he 
a Baptist and his wife a Presbyterian ; Peter Hartzel and 
wife, he a Presbyterian and his wife a Baptist ; myself and 
wife, myself a Presbyterian, but not a communicant, and 
my wife a Methodist. There were a few others. The first 
three named were our chief speakers. We assumed that 
the Christian religion, in its fullness and perfectness, was 
recorded in the New Testament, and what could not be 
there found, or what could not be read from this book 
was no part of Christianity. We also assumed that this 
was an intelligible document, for, if not adapted to the 
common intelligence of mankind, it could not be received 



3l8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

as a revelation from God to man. In these predicates we 
agreed. 

^' Our work was now before us, and we had a will to do 
it. But little did we know of the magnitude or the dif- 
ficulties of the work to which we had committed ourselves. 
Our meetings increased. Some came in from feelings of 
opposition, others from motives of curiosity. Stephen 
M. Hubbard, a Methodist preacher and a worthy man, at- 
tended occasionally, and participated freely and affection- 
ately in our discussions. Our number at one time, I 
think, was twenty-two. The three most popular church 
parties were all represented among us, both in number and 
intelligence ; therefore our discussions took a wide range. 
Sometimes we discussed the intelligibility of the Script- 
ures, their all-sufficiency for the purposes of enlighten- 
ment, conversion, Christian perfection, church govern- 
ment. Then the ^ special call ' to the ministry ; how does 
faith come; how many kinds of faith; which is first in 
order — faith or repentance ; can a sinner believe and obey 
the gospel, acceptably and savingly, without some super- 
added spiritual influence from above; should an unbe- 
liever pray for faith ; is the gospel a dead letter, or does 
it possess inherent, quickening power; when, where, and 
by whom was the gospel first preached. The difference 
between the first and second commission which Christ gave 
to his apostles ; apostolic succession ; the abrogation of 
the Mosaic dispensation ; the subjects, mode, and design 
of baptism ; should a sinner be baptized on the confession 
of his faith in Christ, or on an approved experience. 
All these subjects were under earnest discussion for about 
one year. 

''These were great questions, and on account of our old 
theologies, they were exceedingly perplexing. 

*' No doctrinal standard was appealed to. All human 
authorities were ignored. The Bible was our book ; Jesus 
Christ and his apostles were our umpire; and our work 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 319 

was personal in its object. We were sick of denomina- 
tionalism. All save Bro. Finch and his wife, had a relig- 
ious opponent in his or her own bosom. Primarily our 
objects were to save our souls from sin, and to sweeten our 
domestic enjoyments by a return to that gospel which was 
from the beginning. We had but two alternatives be- 
tween which to choose; either to transmit religious party- 
ism, with all its bitter fruits, to our rising families, and 
live and die in that state of doubt and uncertainty, vascil- 
lating between hope and fear, the inevitable result of a 
mixed profession, or to find relief by going back to the 
old record, to 'look up the old paths and walk therein.* 

'*Now for the practical results. In the month of May, 
1828, we determined to enter into church relations. The 
question of baptism came up. It was suggested by one of 
the senior brethren who had been immersed, that those of 
our number who did not yet see their way clear, might 
come into membership on their former baptism, until such 
time as they might see their duty more clearly. To which 
I replied, that myself and wife had been desirous to be 
baptized for some months past, but were waiting an op- 
portunity; and we would not stand out-door and do in- 
door work. This at once settled the question in favor of 
immersion as a condition of membership. 

*' Immediately brethren Hubbard and Finch were re- 
quested by the meeting to visit Adamson Bentley and 
Marcus Bosworth, to obtain their attendance to preach for 
us, and administer baptism, and assist in a formal church 
organization on the New Testament basis. On Saturday, 
preceding the second Lord's day in June, 1828, these 
brethren came. Before preaching, a few were baptized, 
and more on the day following. Then thirteen 'gave 
themselves to the Lord and to one another. ' 

''The test to which our investigations conducted us 
was a rigid one. To abandon long cherished opinions, 
and to dissolve endeared church relations, requires strong 



320 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

faith and great conscientiousness. Especially is this true 
in the case now before us. One profession may be ex- 
changed for another, one creed for another, and one party 
name for another without much sacrifice or loss of reputa- 
tion. But to abjure party, creed, and name, and espouse 
the simple gospel, involves reputation, and, in the case of 
ministers, standing, character, and support. 

^^ This congregation grew in favor with 

all who gave us a candid hearing. In less than six months 
our number was about sixty. Seven of these were strong 
men, and did more or less evangelical work in the region 
round about, and the Deerfield church became a radiating 
point, a center of Christian influence.'* 

November 7, 1828, Walter Scott first preached in 
Deerfield. His reputation had preceded him, and 
expectation was high. The house was filled densely 
at an early hour. His victories in other fields plumed 
his hopes, and prepared him for the occasion. It is 
to be spoken of that remarkable man that he seldom 
came into an assembly unprepared. Though atten- 
tive to all that was about him, his theme absorbed 
him, and it was matured. I have often seen him 
with his face bowed almost to his knees as he sat 
waiting the moment for opening, with his hands 
covering it, evidently lifting his soul li*ke Jacob for 
a blessing. On this occasion the people were on his 
heart, and each soul was a kingdom to be won for 
Christ. His first sentence commanded every ear. 
" The world has been wrong three times, it has been 
well nigh ruined a fourth.'' Proceeding through the 
Patriarchal, the Jewish and Christian dispensations, 
he shed on each such a flood of light, that the whole 
Bible seemed luminous. The sermon lasted three 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 32 1 

hours. At the end of his discourse on the Patri- 
archal dispensation he paused, and turning to Sister 
Jane Davis, a sister from Wales, of fine musical pow- 
ers, he said: "Sister Jane, sing us one of your 
songs." Then resuming, he opened the Jewish age 
to their understanding. " Sister Davis, another of 
your beautiful songs." Then gathering up his 
strength he presented the Christian institution, the 
full and complete development of God's mercy to lost 
man. 

The effect was perceptible every-where. Eleven 
souls accepted the offered mercy. Capt. Amos Al- 
lerton and Capt. Horace Rogers were of the number. 

Capt. Allerton was an influential citizen, of fine 
social qualities, good intellectual abilities, high toned, 
generous, sensitive, quick of discernment, and frank, 
almost to a fault. Tall, heavy frame, not muscular, 
but of immense physical power. Yet this fine ship 
carried no faith. Having heard of Scott and his do- 
ings, that he baptized people and promised them 
heaven, sometimes taking them by force into bap- 
tismal floods, he went to the meeting fully intent on 
seeing fair play, and not permitting such perform- 
ances in Deerfield. And he was just the man for 
such a venture, had there been a call for it. How 
was he taken aback when he beheld a small man, of 
gentlemanly m'anners equaled by few, delicate in 
build, with every evidence in lineament, and form, 
and speech of the gentlest and the noblest of na- 
tures ! He was disarmed of all his useless purposes, 
and he resolved to hear him carefully and candidly. 
He caught his first word and his last. As the great 
dispensations moved on before him in that grand 



322 EAKLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

discourse, like panoramic illuminations, he saw what 
he never saw before — order, system, plan, arrange- 
ment, and development in the Bible history of human 
redemption. As the eloquent preacher approached 
the conclusion, AUerton's skepticism had vanished, 
and he felt his heart moved, as never before, by the 
view of the Savior, suffering on the cross for the sins 
of the whole world, opening there the fountain where 
all must come, and wash and be clean. 

As the preacher said, " Clear the way and let the 
people come and confess their faith in Jesus Christ 
and be pardoned," Allerton started with a decision 
so quick, and a step so prompt, that Scott felt 
alarmed at seeing him crowding so resolutely along. 
No sooner was he seated than Scott^s fears subsided, 
and he felt as Ananias after the Lord had said to 
him " Behold, he prayeth ! " 

This community presents a favorable example of 
steady and continued growth. Her elders, C. P. 
Finch and E. B. Hubbard were men of distinction as 
speakers. Bro. Finch had been a circuit rider among 
the Methodists. With the frankness of character 
for which he was distinguished, he quickly saw, and 
promptly embraced the principles of this appeal for 
a restoration of primitive Christianity. **Ye may 
all prophesy, one by one, that all may learn, and all 
be comforted," (i Cor. xii:3i.) No church better 
exemplified this Scripture. Thus the church was 
able to *' edify itself in love ; " and moreover from 
them " sounded out the word into every place." 
All the churches within a radius of thirty miles felt 
the power of this congregation. Many became 
highly competent teachers, as Peter Hartzel, Samuel 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE 323 

McGovvan, Alex. Hubbard ; and several rose to emi- 
nence, such as E. B. Hubbard, J. Hartzel, A. Aller- 
ton, C. P. Finch, and John Schaeffer. From her 
came the Laughlins— MiloLaughlin, of Missouri, and 
A. J. Laughlin, of Indiana. While depending on 
their regular steady meetings, they have enjoyed 
the labors of most of the preachers — Henry, Hay- 
den, Bosworth, Brockett, Lanphear, Perky, the 
Erretts, Belding, M. L. Wilcox, Streator. And time 
would fail to tell of their glorious work in Christ. 
From her have gone, besides those named, W. W. 
Hayden, W. L. Hayden, and M. P. Hayden, the three 
sons of Daniel Hayden, all fully educated, and all 
giving themselves to the ministry. 

It should be recorded in honor of the power of 
woman, too frequently left in the shade, that to the 
influence of one female in their number is largely 
and justly due this early Christian enterprise. The 
firmness of character needed to support faltering 
resolution was found in the inflexible purpose of heart 
of Mrs. Polly Hubbard, the wife of Bro. E. B. Hub- 
bard. To her devotion to truth, to her clearness of 
perception of it as taught in the gospel, to her 
marked and consistent evenness of character and 
firmness of mind, her husband was greatly indebted 
for encouraging support in many an hour of fierce 
trial, to which their position and principles were 
subjected in those times of conflict and debate. 

The same honorable mention should be made of 
several others, the wives of men whose names have 
won renown. To their prudence, firmness, and 
cheerful devotion to the cause, and endurance of toil 
and reproach, equal to their husbands, is to be cred- 



324 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ited a full measure of the success of the gospel in 
Deerfield. 

In the year 1834, there was an accession to the 
reformation from the ranks of Lutheranism of one 
of their ministers. The recital of his change of 
views presents so much information, that it can not 
rightfully be withheld from the reader. We refer to 
the case of Rev. John Schaefifer, of Columbiana 
County. We are thankful that we can give it from 
Bro. Schaeffer's own candid and careful pen : 

''Dear Bro. Hayden: 

''By your request I will give you a brief history of my 
life, exclusively on those points you suggest. 

" I. The place of my nativity is Westmoreland County, 
Pennsylvania. My religious training was that of the most 
ultra order of the Lutherans. Being of poor parentage, I 
did not enjoy the advantage of a collegiate education. At 
the age of twenty, I was placed under the theological in- 
struction of Rev. John Wagenhals, a fine scholar from 
Germany, and a gentleman in the true sense of that word. 
I studied the theology of the Lutheran church one year, 
after which, by his influence I obtained, when examined, 
a license to preach, sprinkle infants, catechize, and sol- 
emnize marriage contracts; but denied the right of ad- 
ministering the Lord's Supper, and a voice in the synodi- 
cal and ministerial sessions. This was to assist me in the 
prosecution of my studies for another year. After which 
I obtained license after being examined in theology, by 
which I was clothed with all the ministerial functions, save 
a voice in the ministerial session, which privilege was con- 
sequent upon ordination ; and by this license I was con- 
stituted a candidate for ordination, and put on probation 
in the ministry for three years; after which term, upon 
examination of my orthodoxy in the Lutheran faith, J 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 325 

was ordained, by the imposition of the hands of the min- 
isterium, to the office of pastor. I remained with the so- 
ciety but one year in the capacity of a pastor. My entire 
stay with that religious order was five years, save two 
months; viz. : one year as catechist, three years as candi- 
date on probation, and one year as ordained minister or 
^pastor. 

''2. The agencies that led me to reform in many of 
my religious views were, briefly, these : While yet on pro- 
bation, on a visit to my father-in-law's house, I had an 
introduction to Bro. Jonas Hartzel by his sister, who, after 
a few months, became my companion for life. Our con- 
versation soon turned on the subject of religion, which was 
the common topic of those days, and in the course of our 
interview he propounded this question: ^ Which in the 
order of salvation stands first, faith or repentance ? ' I 
answered in all the honesty of my soul as I was taught, 
and as I was teaching, not suspecting, in the least, the 
possibility of a negative to my answer, ' Repentance pre- 
cedes true and evangelical, or saving faith.' Bro. Hart- 
zel replied : * Do you hold that repentance is pleasing to 
God ? ' * Most certainly, else he never would have com- 
manded it.' Bro. Hartzel replied: * The apostle Paul 
says, Hebrews eleventh chapter : Without faith it is impossi- 
ble to please God.' This was enough for me on that sub- 
ject. I confessed my error, and from henceforth I no 
more preached repentance before faith, nor justification by 
faith alone. 

''This was the first time my confidence in Lutheranism 
was ever in the least shaken. I felt the very platform on 
which I stood tremble beneath me. My mind became 
much agitated. The idea of being wrong on this cardinal 
point, prompted the inquiry, may we not be in error in 
others also ? Moreover, the whole religious world was ar- 
rayed before me, in all their diversified views and opin- 
ions on religion. They all lay equal claims to divine 



326 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

truth and right. I was forced to lay aside all my former 
prejudices, and come to the charitable conclusion that we 
are all alike but sects and parties, and all wrong, being in 
opposition to each other. With me it was a settled logical 
fact, that two opposites can not both be right ; it is 
possible that both may be wrong, but impossible for both 
to be right. 

* 'From these reflections I came to the conclusion, that 
Lutheranism may be as rich in error as any other ism. 
Hence the word of God was my only refuge ; for all re- 
gard the word of God infallibly true. • 

*' After I became connected with the Hartzel family I 
was brought into frequent contact with Bro. J. Hartzel. 
The main difficulties in my way were the questions relating 
to infant church membership, predicated on the perpetuity 
of the church state, which received its visible form when 
Abraham was ninety years old, and received the covenant 
of circumcision. These were the topics discussed when 
we met. Our debates were warm and animated, and I 
thought that neither of us had much to boast when we laid 
our armor off. His sister, my wife, who was a Disciple 
sentimentally, long before we were married, also greatly 
aided in revolutionizing my views on these subjects, by 
propounding questions, and leaving me to struggle under 
their weight to work out a solution, without ever attempt- 
ing a vindication of her questions. This prudential 
course had its desired effect. I never had any difficulty 
respecting the action of baptism. I well understood be- 
fore I completed my theological studies, that pouring and 
sprinkling were substituted for baptism by the authority 
with which the ministers professed to be clothed ; be- 
lieving themselves to be the successors of the apostles in 
office, embassadors of Christ, having the keys of the 
kingdom of heaven committed to them. Believing all 
this, I was fully satisfied that I was doing God service in 
sprinkling a little water on the face of an innocent babe 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. -^2^ 

in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Bro. 
Hartzel and I engaged in a written debate on these sub- 
jects, during which time I availed myself of all the aids 
in my power, both from books and from my preaching 
brethren. I did this in disguise, not wishing that the se- 
cret workings of my mind should be made manifest. It 
was customary with the ministers when they met on a 
visit, in order to pass the time more pleasantly and profit- 
ably to themselves, to take up a debatable question and 
discuss it. On one occasion I took the negative of infant 
baptism with the pastor of the German Reformed Church 
of New Lisbon. He being a scholar, and a man of expe- 
rience, I discussed it with a good degree of energy, pay- 
ing due deference to his age and superiority. He frankly 
confessed that infant baptism could not be positively sus- 
tained from the New Testament, and closed the debate 
with this remark : * It is a good old practice, and I would 
have my children baptized if the whole world should re- 
pudiate the practice.' On another occasion, with the 
pastor of the Lutheran church in Carrollton, 1 took the 
negative of the same proposition. He made the same 
concession as the former, but his concluding remark dif- 
fered, viz. : *So we believe and so we preach.* I will re- 
fer to one more case : Conversing with the pastor of the 
Lutheran church in Canton, he discovered in me w^hat I 
did not so fully realize myself, and thought my sentiments 
ran in the direction of my arguments. When we gave 
each other the parting hand he said : ' I fear the next time 
I shall hear from you, it will be j/^ohn the Baptist' — my 
name being John. So the aid I sought against my oppo- 
nent, made me weaker. 

'*In the meantime I had in charge about thirty cate- 
chumens, instructing them in the religion of our fathers, 
qualifying them for the act of confirmation, in which act 
they voluntarily assume their baptismal vows made in 
their infancy by their sponsors or god-parents. The time 



328 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

had arrived when it became my duty to ascertain whether 
they were all baptized. After asking several in the class 
and receiving an affirmative answer, the following col- 
loquy ensued : A young lady whom I asked, Are you bap- 
tized ? answered, ' I do not know ! ' 

^* Ques. *Do you not know that you were baptized?' 

'' Ans. ^No.' 

'^ Ques, ^Did your parents never tell. you that you were 
baptized ? ' 

^' Ans. 'My parents told me that I was sprinkled when 
I was a baby, but I know nothing at all about it.' 

'* The argument was overwhelming. A personal duty 
changed into an item of faith, robbing the believing peni- 
tent of one of the greatest privileges, to know that he 
has put on Christ in baptism through faith in him. It 
clinched the nail Bro. Hartzel had so skillfully driven. 
I immediately dismissed my class, returned home, and 
said to my wife, *I shall never sprinkle another infant 
while I live.' She congratulated me on my resolution, 
expressed her gratitude and joy, and remarked ; ' I never 
believed you would remain a pedobaptist many years.' 
This resolution of mine soon became public. On the 
night of the same day, Mr. Stewart, one of the deacons, 
called on me to come and baptize an infant of his broth- 
er's, which lay at the point of death. I informed him I 
could not comply without a divine warrant; I am fully 
convinced that heretofore when I sprinkled infants I did 
it in ignorance, en human authority. I gave him my rea- 
sons. The effect this announcement had on his feelings 
could not easily be described. He left. The child died 
that night. It was buried the next day, and I was not 
called upon to conduct the funeral services. In a very 
few days it was published throughout all my congrega- 
tions that I had refused to discharge the ministerial obli- 
gations I was under to the Lutheran church. 

*^I wrote a letter to Bro. Hartzel, informing him of 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 329 

my full conviction of the truth, and desired him to send 
an appointment and baptize me. This brought our de- 
bate to a close. He cheerfully responded to my call, sent 
an appointment to the Phillips congregation, filled it in 
company with Bro. E. B. Hubbard ; preached on a sub- 
ject adapted to the occasion, after which my happy wife 
and myself were immersed by Bro. Hubbard, in the 
presence of a goodly number of my Lutheran brethren 
and sisters, March, 1834, 

**In the month of June following the Synod convened 
in New Lisbon. I addressed a letter to their honorable 
body, presenting it by the hands of Bro. Benj. Pritchard. 
The proposition for a hearing was discussed, and when a 
vote was called, the nays had it by a good majority of the 
preachers. Thus I was excluded from their fellowship as 
a heretic, greatly to the dissatisfaction of many of the 
laity, who judged that I ought to have had a hearing, and 
the right of self-defense. Thus ended forever my relig- 
ious connection with the Lutheran church. 

''You ask me to relate some of my struggles and priva- 
tions connected with this part of my history. I will 
answer you briefly : When this religious tie was sundered 
I was left in a very destitute condition. My salary at the 
time was four hundred dollars, which, added to marriage 
fees and other perquisites came to near five hundred dol- 
lars. My year was expired within two months when I 
came out frofti among them. My convictions of truth did 
not allow me to dissemble, and preach, and practice error 
two months longer for the salary. Neither did I ever re- 
ceive, a farthing of it, though it was collected in several 
of my congregations, and ready for delivery. 

" I had thirty acres of land, less than half paid for, 
without team or means to cultivate it. I was without 
money ; forsaken of fathers and mothers. But my friends 
did not all forsake me. The Lord reserved to me two 
very wealthy men, members of the church from which I 
28 



330 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

seceded — Mr. Brinker and Mr. Switzer. They ever were, 
and they remained, my warmest friends. My departure 
from their doctrine only heightened their respect for me. 
They claimed it was the strongest evidence of my candor 
and honesty to leave a society that supported its ministers, 
and become identified with a people that repudiated sala- 
ried preachers. They both lent me generous, substantial 
aid, and remained my most ardent friends till their death. 
Some of the brethren were also benefactors to me, espec- 
ially George Pow and A. Campbell. The church of 
Bethany presented me one hundred dollars, besides some 
valuable gifts. 

'^I preached every Lord's day, and sometime? during 
the week. The brethren received me kindly, heard me 
gladly, thanked me heartily, invited me cordially to 
preach for them, but never seemed to consider that I 
lived just like themselves, by eating and drinking, and 
that my time was my only means of support. Conse- 
quently I had to ^dig.' I was not ashamed to dig; but 
one thing I plainly discovered and felt most seriously, 
that my sun had forever set so far as time for suitable 
preparation to hold forth the word of life was concerned. 
One of the congregations agreed to pay me one dollar a 
visit every four weeks, or one-fourth of my time. This 
was ominous of better times. Another congregation 
promised me fifty dollars for one-fourth of my time. A 
certain brother and sister, who always appeared to have a 
very high regard for me, were exceedingly hurt because 
Bro. Schaeifer was receiving a salary for preaching. I 
received only thirty-seven dollars of the amount^ and 
unwilling to give further offense, I never asked for the 
balance. 

'* I am glad that a change has been effected in this par* 
ticular. Ministers are now cared for as justice and equity 
demand. 

** In reflecting on the past and the present, my losses 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 33 1 

and privations, I always come to the conclusion that I 
was the gainer. The exchange of error for truth, I es- 
teem a great gain. When my spirit has been almost 
crushed, and my physical nature almost exhausted by 
hard work, the consideration that I have found the light 
of the gospel has always revived and strengthened me. 

^* Yours fraternally, 
^'Deerfield, O., Augusty 1872. John Schaeffer.'* 

The writer of these chronicles regards it impor- 
tant to present a correct, if not an exhaustive, his- 
tory of the struggles and self-denials of the early 
preachers of the "reformation." Bro. Schaeffer's 
modesty would not have permitted him, unsolicited, 
to speak of his own case as he has in the above com- 
munication. From one, learn all. His story is not 
an exception. To a great extent they all went to 
the warfare at their own charges. The growth of 
justice in this particular was slow, and not a few 
were compelled to abandon the ripened fields of evan- 
gelical enterprise by the stern law of necessity. It 
is certainly ground of much regret that a brother of 
Bro. Schaeffer's excellent endowments of mind, man- 
ners, and education, a gift to the cause while he was 
young, a fluent speaker in his native German, could 
not have been amply supported, and employed to 
open the gospel to his own people, a work for which 
his experience was so good a preparation. 



332 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER XV. 

Churches established in Palmyra, Shalersville, and Randolph. 

THE first year of Bro. Scott's travels, he and 
William Hayden went together to Palmyra. 
There was no small stir concerning **this way." 
They came with the King's message, and they pro- 
claimed it with authority. In few places could so 
little be done with the old professors. The Baptist 
church, which existed as far back as 1818, under the 
charge of the benevolent Thomas Miller, and which, 
in 1825 entertained the association, had lost its savor. 
The religion of peace was poorly represented. Shame- 
ful quarrels were perpetuated in the separation of 
the church into two fragments, in which personal 
ambition and family strife prevailed. The patience 
of many was exhausted with evils which they could 
not cure, and they stood aloof from the churches, 
waiting a better hope and a truer gospel. These 
messengers of Christ's gospel, not wishing to identify 
their mission with such a state of things, soon aban- 
doned all hope of reconciling these old professors, 
and opened on new grounds the claims of the gospel. 
Their boldness and zeal, supported by the charms of 
music and the attractions of eloquence and, still 
more, by the plain, pungent truth they proclaimed, 
brought multitudes to hear, and many to yield to 
Christ. The conquest was complete, but it was 
achieved in much sharp opposition. The piercing, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 333 

piquant speeches of Scott provoked some of the 
people. One man, who had been on bad terms with 
his neighbors, objected to Scott's preaching, saying : 
**I want to see more heart religion in it." '*Aye," 
said Scott, " and I want to see a man not keep all 
his religion in his heart, but let some of it come out 
so his neighbors can see it ! " A Methodist lady re- 
torted upon him : " You have to sing our songs ! " 
** We ought to, madam," he replied ; " we get your 
converts ! " 

A church soon arose, formed of the new converts 
and a large proportion of the old members. Britton 
Fisher and Iliff Garrison were appointed the over- 
seers of it. Robert Calvin, Marvin Gilbert, George 
and Nicholas Simons, William Shakspearand E. Fish- 
er, with their wives, were among the early members. 
It was established in 1828. 

They received help from the brethren who founded 
the congregation, especially from William Hayden. 
John Henry helped them much also, as did the breth- 
ren in Deerfield — Allerton, Hubbard, Finch, Hartzel 
and McGowan ; A. B, Green also, with Brockett, 
Reeves, and M. J. Streator. Dr. Robison is remem- 
bered for valuable help. In September, 1840, A. B. 
Green and A. S. Hayden conducted a meeting in 
Palmyra. A wide hearing was gained, and seventeen 
converts came in. The church then counted a mem- 
bership of seventy-four persons. 

Like all churches unsupported by pastoral labor, 
their course has been fluctuating. The lamp has 
nearly ceased to burn at different times ; but much 
of the true salt is yet to be found in the church, 



334 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

which to this present day meets every Lord's day to 
keep the ordinances as they were delivered. 

A church was started in the south part of Pal- 
myra almost as early as that in the north. Elijah 
Canfield, Horace Western, and Andrew Sturdevant 
were the leaders. It sustained itself a number of 
years, but succumbed at last to the common ene- 
mies of embodied societies — emigration, death, and 
neglect. 

The Church in Shalersville. 

Some time in the fall of 1828, as William Hayden 
was riding through Windham he met Isaac Mead. 
The surprise at meeting was mutual. Mead, accost- 
ing Hayden, said : " Bro. Hayden, is that you ? " 
" Yes, it is I." " What's the matter ? I see your gar- 
ments are wet ! " "I preached back here last night, 
and a person coming to Christ, I have just been bap- 
tizing the convert ; and having no opportunity of 
changing my garments, I am going on to find a place 
to preach. Do you know of any opening.?" "Yes, 
in Shalersville ; I am just from there, and there is a 
good opening. Go on, and call on Davis Haven, and 
tell him I sent you." " Good bye," said the vigorous 
preacher, and applying his spurred heels to his horse 
he was soon out of sight. 

Late in the spring of 1828, Thomas Campbell and 
Sidney Rigdon had preached a few discourses in 
Shalersville, taught the people the way of life, and 
baptized two young men. In the summer, E. Wil- 
liams delivered a number of sermons, but his former 
Universalian friends, incensed by his renunciation of 
their fruitless speculations, were not favorable to his 
message. But the labors of these men, and Scott's 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 335 

success in adjacent towns, had opened the public ear. 
So when Hayden came to plant the standard of the 
cross he had an audience. The ardor of his nature 
was equal to his powers. He double shotted every 
piece, and directed his artillery against skepticism 
and sectarianism ; and in contrast with the darkness 
of the one and the demoralizations of the other, he 
vindicated the credibility of the apostles and proph- 
ets, and asserted and defended the rightful claims of 
Jesus Christ to the throne of the universe. 

In one of his trips Scott came with him. Here 
it was Dr. R. Richardson, then of Pittsburgh, seek- 
ing Scott in New Lisbon, " to be baptized of him," 
and not finding him there, came and found his pre- 
ceptor and friend in the midst of an animated meet- 
ing. Scott met him with great joy, for his soul was 
toward him like that of David to Jonathan. When 
the congratulations were over, said Scott, aside, to 
Hayden, " O, that the Lord would give us that young 
man ! " not yet aware of the purpose of his visit. He 
had been brought up strictly in the Episcopalian or- 
der ; but having his attention called by Bro. Scott, 
sometime previous, in a conversation with him at 
Pittsburgh, to the original term for baptism, his fine 
scholarship enabled him to investigate its meaning ; 
and finding its current use in the Scriptures and 
every-where else to be immersion, he conscientiously 
followed the light, and sought Bro. Scott for baptism 
at his hands. On going to the Cuyahoga to baptize 
some converts, Richardson made known his wishes ; 
when, with the others, he was buried by baptism into 
the death of the Lord Jesus. 

Bro. A. B. Green was early in Shalersville. The 



336 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

brethren in Deerfield, also C. P. Finch, E. B. Hub- 
bard, and A. Allerton, helped much both to sow, tc 
water the seed, and to gather the harvest. For sev- 
eral years William Hayden, having planted the church, 
looked after it as a nursing father. 

The citizens of the township having erected a good 
Town House, it was proposed that it should be dedi- 
cated. At the instance of prominent citizens, Hub- 
bard and Allerton were invited to hold a meeting in 
it. They solicited me to accompany them. Closing 
up my winter school Friday night, we mounted our 
horses early Saturday morning, and at noon we were 
on the ground. The meeting was held three days ; 
and many heard out of regard to the nature of the 
occasion. This was the last of February, 1834. 

All this time, and for years afterward, the church 
had no settled minister. The preachers came among 
them frequently ; but the church, like most of the 
congregations, had learned to "edify one another in 
love." This reliance on the talent of the church 
quickens the zeal and develops the abilities of the 
members ; and if it is not depended on to the exclu- 
sion of preaching, it is a direct and powerful means 
of imparting strength and permanency to the 
churches. 

At one of Bro. Green's meetings there was a Miss 
Langworthy among the converts. The Congrega- 
tional minister, all praise for his zeal, became much 
excited at seeing the people so deluded and led away 
into error. Green had taught the converts simply to 
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, and 
to trust honestly to his gospel word of promise, *' he 
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.'* This 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 337 

minister came in the crowd to the meeting, and 
knowing Miss Langworthy, he called her attention 
to the danger of the error she was embracing. 
*' Why," she innocently responded, " has not the Lord 
told us to come and be baptized ?" " O, I tell you," 
said the minister, " it is a most pernicious doctrine, 
and you are exposing yourself to the danger of being 
damned if you believe it." "But, the Savior said *he 
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ; ' and 
now, if I believe on him with all my heart, and am 
baptized, will he damn me } " This was enough. 
The strength of '* orthodoxy," so called, was weak- 
ness before the word of the Lord. Bro. Green and 
all around heard the conversation, but he said not a 
word, perceiving this child of mourning and of joy, 
in her tears and simplicity, was effectually defending 
the faith. The converts were then baptized; they 
were full of joy, and new songs were heard in many 
homes. 

In 1835, the yearly meeting for Portage County 
was held in Shalersville, which increased the number 
of converts, and imparted strength to the church. 
Again, in 1837, ^^e churches of the county came up 
here to hold their annual convocation. It was a large 
and impressive meeting. Many public advocates of 
the gospel attended it. Both the Town Hall and 
the Congregational church were filled to overflowing 
on the Lord's day. 

In February, 1843, Harvey Brockett, by invitation 
of the elders, Milo Hoskins and Davis Haven, came 
to Shalersville. There was a great shaking among 
the people. Brockett's earnest and persuasive elo- 
quence, with his instructive exhibitions of the gospel, 
29 



338 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

enlightened many and brought them to Christ. An 
event occurred in the midst of this meeting, which 
brought out the whole town to hear. It was the 
death of William Coolman, Esq. This gentleman, 
unpretentious, well educated, and kind-hearted, was 
deservedly held in high esteem. His residence was 
also the home of his widowed daughter^ the excellent 
mother of Bro. C. C. Foot. Brockett's sermon at the 
funeral of Bro. Coolman was all aflame with light 
on the resurrection and eternal judgment. Many 
towering imaginations were brought low, and many 
hearts were humbled. The seeds of this sowing 
came up for reaping in many subsequent harvests. 

From this place Bro. Brockett went to Ravenna 
two weeks. Additions followed his labors there. 
He returned to Shalersville for one week. Exhausted 
and obliged to leave, Bro. M. L. Wilcox came in and 
finished up this extraordinary series of successes. 

Eighteen months afterward, February, 1845, Brock- 
ett responded to the urgent calls of the people, and 
conducted another meeting. Among the souls 
brought into the kingdom at this time, was the youth- 
ful Charles Coolman Foot. He soon manifested in- 
cHnations for the ministry. Availing himself of all 
the means of education and spiritual improvement 
within his reach, his "profiting" began to be appar- 
ent to the church. He persevered in his prepara- 
tions, and has becom.e extensively useful in the 
gospel. 

Bro. T. J. Newcomb grew up into religious activity 
in this church. He confessed the Lord Jesus, and 
turned his talents to build up his cause in the hearts 
of the people. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 33y 

In the year 1849, ^^^' W. A. Belding began his 
labors in this church. It was much reduced, and the 
fine gold had become dim. He immediately began 
to '* revive the spirit of the contrite ones." His 
practical addresses, enforced by an assuring confi- 
dence of the value of Christianity, by a cheerful 
manner, and many a sweet, enrapturing song, soon 
brought about a reformation. The house was filled 
once more. Many wanderers were brought back to 
the fold, and conversions were again frequent. Dur- 
ing the seven years of his residence in Shalersville, 
there were one hundred and fifty additions. 

Bro. Belding's labors have been very abundant and 
successful. He was sometime in Mentor, where the 
church was greatly enlarged; one hundred and sev- 
enty-seven souls being added in eighteen months. 
In many other places he has a grateful remembrance 
among the people. He is the youngest son of the 
late Dr. Rufus Belding, of Randolph; a gentleman 
of rare excellence, serenity, and dignity of character. 

The church in Shalersville was long under the 
counsels and management of Milo Hoskins, Davis 
Haven, and Isaac Mead, as overseers ; of E. B. Chapin, 
James Coit, Decalvus Root, John Haven, Chester 
Cooley and others, as servants of the congregation. 
From this community emigration has carried the 
message of life, and built up in other counties and 
other States the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The Cooleys, the Havens, the Nicholls and Streators, 
in North Eaton, early lifted the standard, and they 
have, with the blessings of God upon them, estab- 
lished a church which is now one of the strongest 
on the Western Reserve. Some of the same fami- 



340 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

lies are in Bloomingdale, Mich., with a good house of 
worship, and a faithful and united brotherhood in 
Christ. 

Randolph. 

Deacon William Churchill moved into Randolph 
from the State of Connecticut in 1812. He died in 
that town August 30, 1846, at the advanced age of 
81 years. 

In 1 8 19, he, with others, constituted a small Bap- 
tist church in Randolph, of which he was both dea- 
con and clerk. When the ^'Christian Baptist'' made 
its appearance Churchill obtained it, and the new 
light it shed on gospel themes was welcomed by this 
inquiring community of believers. They had come 
together under the name of Baptist, but their single 
aim was to be only Christians, and to be led only by 
the revealed will of God. This membership was the 
basis and the beginning of the large and flourishing 
church from which, for forty-five years, has radiated 
the light of the gospel. The church was formed on 
New Testament principles, July 20, 1828. The rec- 
ord reads as follows : " On this day came forward the 
baptized disciples of Jesus Christ our Lord, and ac- 
knowledged him to be their only Teacher and Law- 
giver, and the Holy Scriptures to be their only guide, 
and agreed to maintain Christian worship according 
to the aforesaid declaration." 

The following names composed the new congrega- 
tion. All were previously members of the Baptist 
church, viz. : 

William and Polly Churchill, Philo and Rosanna 
Beach, Calvin and Polly Rawson, Elisha and Sophia 
Ward, Bela Hubbard and Levi Huggins. William 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 34 1 

Churchill and Calvin Rawson were appointed dea- 
cons. C. P. Finch, E. B. Hubbard and Samuel Mc- 
Gowan were present and "gave the right hand of 
fellowship." 

Bro. Amos Allerton, also of Deerfield, was an 
early and able advocate of the gospel in Randolph, 
contributing much to the growth of the body. In- 
deed, the church of Randolph was fostered by that 
in Deerfield, as in turn the one in Randolph became 
the mother of those in Mogadore, New Baltimore, 
Suffield and Rootstown. The latter two have dis- 
solved. The others have never failed to meet, and 
have generally flourished. 

Early in their history, William Churchill was 
elected to fill the office of overseer, and Elisha Ward 
was appointed deacon. The first meeting-house was 
erected in 1830, and finished in 1832. 

Although the trumpet call to religious reforma- 
tion and return to the Jerusalem model of the church, 
had been sounding only four or five years, it had 
spread far abroad, and was echoed by hundreds of 
willing tongues. New churches were starting up in 
many quarters, and old ones were throwing aside 
their creeds and adopting the New Testament as 
their only guide. The Disciples all looked to the 
yearly meeting as the means of social and religious 
union, like as the great festivals of the Jews, even 
more than the uniformity of their rites and ritual, 
cemented their nationality. Those great anniversa- 
ries, by the acquaintances formed and the consequent 
interest they awakened in one another, became a real 
and lasting bond of union among the advocates of 
the " ancient order of things." 



342 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

To Randolph all eyes were directed this year 
(1832), for here, the last of August, was to be the 
annual gathering. For the first time in seven years, 
Mr. Campbell was not present. But the strength 
and hope of this cause was in its divinity and truth- 
fulness, not in man. There was no diminution in 
numbers, nor enthusiasm. The freshness, ardor, and 
simplicity of the meetings in those days was beauti- 
ful to behold. Here assembled " the disciples," all 
on an equality, many of them the recruits of the past 
year, for edification, for fellowship in Christ, and 
for increase of their animating hopes. 

The following public speakers were present: Sy- 
monds Ryder, William Hayden, Marcus Bosworth, 
Amos Allerton, E. Williams, E. B. Hubbard, C. P. 
Finch, Jonas Hartzel, John Henry, J. J. Moss, A. P. 
Jones, A. B. Green, John Applegate, A. S. Hayden 
and Eli Regal ; some of whom were only beginning 
the work of preaching. 

The following report of this meeting will be read 
with interest : 

Streetsborough, Portage Co., O,, Aug, 28, 1832. 
Dear Bro. Campbell: 

Our general meeting closed yesterday. Such love, such 
union, not of opinion, but of faith and Christian feeling, 
zeal and intelligence, I never saw but among the disciples 
of the ancient mold. 

We met on Friday, at i o'clock P. M. ; and though 
disappointed by not seeing you, we proceeded to do as 
well as we could. Bro. Bosworth gave the first discourse, 
and seven or eight other brethren spoke during the meet- 
ing in daylight. Preaching in four or five places each 
evening. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 343 

On Lord's day, Bro. Ryder gave us a masterly dis- 
course from the second chapter of ist Timothy. His 
first effort was to show the fallacy of Universalism ; 2nd. 
of Calvinism. In the third place, an exhortation to 
prayer; and, finally, female character and influence as 
Christians — and why? That as the woman was the first 
in sin, and has ever since been oppressed by the man ; 
that as the female was by Christianity raised and honored 
with the place, privileges and influence which naturally 
and originally belong to her, it, by all reasons, behooves 
the sex to honor Christianity in turn by showing all con- 
tempt for the trifles which charm the eyes of the vain and 
the irreligious ; that they should delight to honor the gospel 
with a display of benevolence, rather than of dress. 

He succeeded in every point to the great satisfaction of 
all the disciples, especially the sisters. The discourse was 
followed by appropriate exhortations: and, in short, the 
whole day was filled up with much valuable instruction. 
Nineteen were immersed during the three days. On Mon- 
day our time was devoted to hearing the reports of the 
itinerants, and making arrangements for future operations. 
This was the most interesting day of any, and probably 
more profitable for the interest of truth than all the rest 
together. 

It appeared from the reports, which, from personal 
knowledge I know to be correct, that the apostolic gospel 
and order of things are gradually and regularly gaining 
influence among us ; and, although in many things we are 
quite in the rear of Christian perfection, yet one good 
sign is that all see it, and all unitedly urge an advance. 
The present reformation is in this different from all the 
Protestant reformations, whose leaders, when they had 
taken a few steps from their former ground, halted, and 
determined the people of God should learn and do no 
more of the Lord's will than they had already attained to. 
The teaching brethren understood Christianity better, 



344 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Public opinion is turning rapidly in favor of the ancient 
gospel and order; and I think there is a growing liberality 
among the brethren. 

The subject of itinerancy was spoken of with warmth 
and an unanimity of judgment and feeling never before 
equaled among us. The whole community, teachers and 
taught, were much affected with the great responsibility 
we are under to present to the world the ancient religion 
of Christ. It was proposed the itinerants should go two 
and two ; but when we . beat for volunteers, it was found 
there were but two whose circumstances would permit 
them at present to make it their sole employ to proclaim 
the word. These two, Bro. Moss and myself, are to go 
together wherever a door opens and labor is most needed, 
and not to neglect the churches. The brethren and sis- 
ters most honorably signified their approbation of these 
laborers, and gave good evidence of their readiness to assist 
them in all things necessary. Besides these two, brethren 
Allerton, Williams, Henry, Hartzel, Bosworth and Apple- 
gate, expressed themselves willing and able to devote a 
share of their time — some of them the greater part ; and 
from their known gifts, were assured by the disciples 
present of their willingness to sustain them. After these 
matters were dispensed with, an invitation was tendered 
to any who wished to obey the Lord, when six or seven 
came forward. We went to the water, and continued in- 
structing and exhorting until eighteen were immersed, 
making in all thirty-seven. 

Yours, as ever, 

William Hayden. 

Among the converts at this meeting was Bro. 
W. A. Belding, v^ho has since become widely known 
as an able minister of the gospel. 

For many years this church moved on in great 
harmony, receiving increase of members almost con- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 345 

stantly. In 1845, the withering blight of " Come- 
outerism" fell upon it, causing alienations, dissen- 
sion, and division. Its advocates were infidels. 
While pleading for the abolition of slavery and for 
temperance, they hurled their deadliest daggers at 
the churches and gloried in the demolition of the 
organized Christianity of the land. Many excellent 
men were caught in their snare. Many here and 
elsewhere went out with them. This wild impulse 
became a sore trial to the faith and patience of the 
churches. Brethren Moss, Perky, and others came 
to the defense of the congregations. They met the 
fiercest advocates boldly in debate, and mended the 
breaches these assailants had made in the walls. 
Most of the disciples who. were shaken for a time, 
returned into peace and order. 

Since that period the church, like a well-manned 
ship, has held steadily to its course. It outgrew its 
discouragements in a few years, and established itself 
more firmly than ever. In i860, the brethren built, 
at the center of the town, a new and much better 
house of worship. In 1871, the record showed sixty- 
two members. In the winter of that year, there was 
a great ingathering, under the labors of Bro. F. M. 
Green ; within a few weeks sixty-seven were con- 
verted, forty-one of whom were heads of families. 
Bro. W. H. Bettes is now the overseer. 

This church owes much to the prompt, manly zeal 
of Bro. Bela Hubbard, who, with his family, gave no 
uncertain support to the cause at the start. Also, 
the families of the Churchills, the Rawsons, the 
Wards, the Beldings and many others, hold a high 
place in the grateful memory of the people. 



346 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER XVI. 

The Churches in North Perry, Painesville, and Eagleville. 

THE church of Christ in Perry was organized by 
S. Rigdon, August 7, 1829. It had twenty- 
seven members ; among whom were Ebenezer Joy 
and his wife, David and Eliza Parmly, Sam'l W. and 
Lovinia S. Parmly, Ansel and Desire Ryder, John 
Brooks, Ezra Isham, Orvis and Rufus Call, Clinton 
and Sottle Butler, Leonard, Bradbury and Sallie 
Sinclair, Lydia Wood, and Deborah Bacon. 

There was soon a large increase of members, em- 
bracing the following and other names : David 

Dodge, Rufus Neff, Rose, Shubal Lincoln, 

Elisha Colton, Levi S. and Eliza Parmly, Eleazor 
and Ann M. Parmly, Lewis, Lewis B. Levi, S. and 
Otis M. Wood, with the famihes of Sinclair and Call. 

Among the causes which brought the reformation 
into the Baptist church in Perry, was the liberty 
taken by one of its members to ** commune" with 
Christians who were not of their '* faith and order ; " 
though they were *' baptized believers," in the Bap- 
tist sense of that term. David Parmly, a correct and 
zealous Baptist, having heard of the great revival in 
Mentor, went over from Perry to hear the advocates 
of the *' new " doctrine, as it was called. Pleased 
with the preaching, and finding the spirit of the 
Lord among them, he ventured to "commune" with 
the Disciples. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 34/ 

News of this act came quickly to Perry. It was 
too much ; David Parmly was an oifender, and a *' la- 
bor " was taken up with him. Bro. Parmly plead 
his right as a free man in the Lord, to hold Chris- 
tian fellowship with brethren who are believers in 
Christ, and who, as well as themselves had been 
"buried by baptism into his death." His plea was 
of no avail. A church meeting was called to try him 
on the following charge of heresy : *' Bro. Parmly is 
charged with communing with the Campbellites, and 
believing in the doctrines of Alexander Campbell. ' 
He admitted the act of communing with Christ's 
people, and that he believed in the Lord Jesus, in all 
he teaches in his word, and declared his willingness 
to be subject to his brethren in all things, only " in 
the Lord." No defense was admitted. This warm- 
hearted Christian of unblemished reputation, was 
declared guilty of the charge of " heresy." While 
the trial was proceeding Parmly asked to read, with- 
out remark, a few portions of the word of God. This 
was refused. When the act of exclusion was accom- 
pHshed, he walked out of the house, Bible in hand, 
and taking his position under the shade of a goodly 
tree, he read the word of life to many people, who 
followed him with eager interest. 

The exclusion of Parmly hastened matters to a 
crisis. Rigdon soon was there, and a church was 
formed, bringing into it a large number of the Bap- 
tist members, who saw too clearly the spirit of the 
inquisition, in the exclusion of an upright Christian 
man for no other crime than holding fellowship with 
*the people of God. 

Before the organization of the church, the five 



348 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Parmlys — David, Levi, Eleazor, Jehiel, and Samuel 
W. — erected a comfortable meeting-house on the lake 
shore, which was afterward moved to the place where 
it now stands, and formally opened for worship, 
August 22, 1 841, at which time the church was re- 
organized with David Parmly, Asa S. Turney, and 
Lewis Wood, overseers ; and Jehiel Parmly and Otis 
M. Wood, deacons. It counted about fifty members. 

In December 8, 1850, the brethren who had been 
meeting on the " Dock Road,'' in Madison, united 
with the church in Perry, which swelled the number 
to about one hundred. 

During many years of its earlier history this 
church had the labors of all the earlier preachers. 
A little later came Jones and Green. But Bro. Clapp 
stood by them as a chief dependence, and Bro. VioU 
also. Rodney Veits and Abram Saunders, espec- 
ially the former, preached much there. For two 
years they located among them Edward H. Webb, 
from Huron County. This noble young brother, 
possessed of many promising gifts, went to his re- 
ward early in life, just as he was ripening into ex- 
tensive usefulness. Bro. Turney stood by them 
many years as a leader and counselor. 

This church has maintained an unbroken testi- 
mony for a period of over forty-five years. Her 
later history, like her beginning, has been marked 
by joyful ingatherings of souls into Christ's king- 
dom. A meeting, conducted by Bro. W. A. Belding, 
in 1855, resulted in many conversions. Afterward 
Bro. John Encell and M. S. Clapp brought a large 
number into the faith. Bro. R. G. White, five yearS 
their efficient pastor, will long be held in grateful re- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 349 

membrance. Bro. W. O. Moore succeeded him as 
minister in the church. 

Painesville. 

This town felt the impulse of the great movement 
which began in Mentor early in 1828. A. P. Jones, 
a young man then in the printing office, heard to 
profit, turned to Christ, and became extensively use- 
ful. This beginning was followed up by brethren 
Clapp, Collins, Hayden, and Moss, who occasionally 
preached in this town. A ''meeting of days" was 
conducted in the village by Wm. Hayden and his 
brother, in November, 1842. A few converts were 
gained at that time, as there had been by others be- 
fore. Bro. Joseph Curtis, moving with his upright 
family into the environs of that thriving town, a more 
formal occupancy of the ground was decided upon. 
A meeting was held in the month of January, 1843, 
by E. Williams and Abram Saunders, of Saybrook ; 
and on the twenty-ninth of that month, under the 
counsels of these brethren, the church was estab- 
lished. As overseers, brethren Joseph Curtis and 
WilHam Harrison were unanimously selected ; as 
deacons, Thomas Smith and Lyman Durand. There 
were thirty-six members. 

From the beginning the church has maintained a 
uniform and consistent policy. Brethren Williams, 
Clapp, Collins, and Violl aided to keep the fires burn- 
ing on the altar. Protracted meetings have enlarged 
their borders from time to time, conducted by W. 
Hayden, Isaac Errett, J. Encell, H. W. Everest, K. 
Shaw, and others. As pastors, Bro. E. H. Hawley 
served them from 1855 ^^ 1859. ^^^' John Encell 



3SO EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

settled with them about two years, followed by his 
brother, James G. Encell. After these, Bro. L. 
Cooley about three years, closing in 1866. Then 
came Bro. J. B. Knowles. Bro. L. F. Bittle labored 
there from 1868 till 1870, when they secured Bro. 
J. W. Ingram for three years. Bro. F. H. Moore, 
the present pastor, began in 1873. 

With all encroachments on their numbers they 
still have about one hundred and eighty. The church 
was incorporated in 185 1, and their present comfort- 
able meeting-house, in a very good site, was com- 
pleted and dedicated in the summer of 1853, Bro. 
Collins officiating on the occasion. 

This church has mourned the loss of some of her 
noblest men : Her first elder, whose enterprise con- 
tributed much to found the church, Bro. Curtis ; 
and more recently the first deacon, the lamented and 
upright Lyman Durand ; Bro. Tuttle likewise, one 
of the oldest members, sleeps in the hope. And the 
venerable brother, Jehiel Parmly, full of days and 
hope. 

With the Parmlys, A. Teachout, Dr. Stebbins, Dr. 
Pancoast, and the others who stand with them, the 
church has a fast hold on society. 

Eagleville. 

This church came into existence amidst a ''great 
fight of aflflictions." Here, as in many other places, 
the cardinal principle of Protestantism, the right of 
private judgment, was the ground of the agitation 
which resulted in the dismemberment of the Baptist 
church, and the formation of a religious community 
on New Testament principles. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 35 I 

As early as 1825-6, the ** Christian Baptist^' had 
many readers and many admirers in that Baptist 
community. But toleration toward it was of short 
duration. The pastor, Silas Barnes, a man of narrow 
views, supported by others equally opposed to prog- 
ress in religious light, determined to purge the 
church of this leaven. 

On the 2ist of January, 1833, members of the 
Baptist church met to consult on the dangers to be 
feared from the new doctrines, and to devise meth- 
ods to remove the evil. For six months or more 
the church had innumerable ** covenant" meetings, 
church meetings, and councils. Sometimes they 
met three times a week. Early in the course of the 
proceedings the following resolution was passed : 
** Resolvedy That we do not fellowship the doctrines 
and sentiments published and advocated by Alexander 
Campbell and his associates. Neither will we fellow- 
ship as members in our church those who patronize 
or make a practice of reading his periodical publica- 
tions, or those who are in any way trammeled with 
his doctrines or his sentiments." 

The church, having passed a law to fit the assumed 
case, a law conveniently vague, was now prepared for 
victims. John D. Foot was cut asunder with the long 
knife of excommunication. Martin Mills was next 
cited ; but he returned such answers to the commit- 
tee, that the church forgave his temerity, and re- 
moved from him her censures. 

Not so the chief offender. This was Bro. Eben A. 
Mills. He was a man of good abilities, firm, earnest 
in his purposes, of quick and correct discernment 
and a devoted Bible student. He was the quartz^ with 



352 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

pure gold in every vein. With a Christian wife, 
morally and intellectually his equal, both blessed 
with admirable good nature, he carried public sym- 
pathy with him in the trying difficulties through 
which he was about to pass. He sought no rupture 
in the church. A sincere adherent of the *' faith and 
order " of the Baptists, he contributed more by his 
zeal and tireless activity to build up that " Zion " than 
any other private member. As clerk of the church, 
he had charge of her records. Devoted to music and 
an adept in that charming accomplishment, he and 
Mrs. Mills seemed inseparable from the life of the 
church. But ** orthodoxy" had no mercy, and quite 
as little wisdom ; and it came to Mr. Mills requiring 
him to desist reading Mr. Campbell's ''Millennial 
Harbinger," to put away the new translation, and 
abjure the alleged heresies. 

He plead : i. His liberties as a Christian to 
*' pro.ve all things " by the infallible standard of the 
Word of God, and to " hold fast that which was 
good ; " and 2. His rights and liberties as an Amer- 
ican citizen to the unmolested use of all things which 
tended to the injury of no one, or the restraint of 
no other person's privileges. 

It is needless to detail all the proceedings which 
make this a marked case. It was prolonged till the 
church almost to a man had become enlisted. No 
charge was hinted against the character of Mr. Mills. 
It was a case, pure and simple, of creed — orthodoxy 
in array against liberty of conscience. The following 
note of his exclusion is copied from the church 
record: ''March 2, 1833. It was then motioned 
and seconded that, as Bro. E. A. Mills will not con- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 353 

sent to abandon the reading of Mr. Campbell's 
* Millennial Harbinger/ which we think is leading 
him from the gospel and the faith of the regular Bap- 
tists, we withdraw from him the hand of fellowship. 
The vote was then tried and carried by a consider- 
able majority. The office of clerk being now va- 
cant, Cornelius Udall was unanimously chosen clerk." 

The new clerk, some time afterward, embraced the 
sentiments for which Mills was excluded. But he 
suffered less persecution — a new class of men having 
come into power. 

Pending the motion for the exclusion of Mills, he 
made a most manly appeal, and an able defense of 
Mr. Campbell and his work. It was printed and cir- 
culated, but it could not avert the premeditated blow. 

This act of exclusion was a heavy stroke to many 
of the members. A remonstrance was prepared and 
sent in to the church, signed by eighteen names. It 
was mild and respectful ; yet, strange to say, it was 
the death-knell of every one of them. They were 
all, without exception, and without any other offense, 
excluded from the church. 

This declaration of exclusion was signed by nine 
names, and was silently acquiesced in as the action 
of the church without approval or demur. Thus nine 
members excluded eighteen, the number who had 
signed the remonstrance ; the rest of the church, 
eighty members, taking no active or recorded part 
in the proceedings. 

These rejected members, cast down, but not for- 
saken, could not let the light within them become 
darkness. Hearing of a church in Mentor, meeting 
just as the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
30 



354 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

they sent an invitation for a man to visit them. Bro. 
M. S. Clapp came, preached, and organized a church 
of seven members, with Bro. E. A. Mills, elder, or 
bishop, and Michael Webster, deacon. This took 
place October 5, 1833. Bro. Webster was soon as- 
sociated as overseer. A. J. Hall and Alfred Mills 
were chosen deacons. 

Thus originated the church of Christ in Eagleville, 
which for forty years has continued to hold the 
ground under great discouragements, and to send 
forth the light of the gospel into other towns in Ash- 
tabula County. 

The preachers for the first few years were Alton, 
Saunders, Collins, Hayden, Henry, Hartzell, Clapp, 
Brockett, Smith, and others. But Bro. Mills was 
their reliance for years, in the absence of other aid. 
He preached, sung, visited, and entertained the 
preachers who visited them. His hospitality was 
unstinted. He paid freely to sustain the cause in all 
things ; was an example to the flock, till broken in 
health, and partly in fortune, he went West, and 
ended his days in the unfading hope of immortality. 

Bro. Jacob Bartholomew was called to preach for 
them in 1846. For many years he has bee^ the min- 
ister of the word among them. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 355 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The Church in Middlebury and Akron — A Church arises in Moga- 
dore — In Wadsworth also, with Sketches of Elder O. Newcomb 
and A. B. Green. 

IN August, 1829, E. B. Hubbard and Wm. Hay- 
den delivered a few discourses in Middlebury. 
Some of the people were so much interested they 
desired to hear them more fully, and when they de- 
parted, Levi Allen and William Pangburn went with 
them to Mogadore. The good seed had fallen into 
good ground. The next month Bro. Hayden re- 
turned, when Levi Allen and Mrs. Pangburn became 
obedient to the faith. Some time previous to this, 
Mr. Wm. Pangburn and Mrs. Judge Sumner had 
been baptized by Elder Newcomb. February, 1830, 
Bro. Marcus Bosworth came : others now yielded in 
obedience. Williams visited these old battle-fields, 
where, in former days, in the defense of Restoration- 
ism he had driven Calvinism to the wall. In the 
advocacy now of something better than human theo- 
ries, he desired to lead the people to the Lord Jesus. 
About this time Tillinghast Vaughan, a young 
Methodist preacher of considerable ability, falhng in 
with Mr. Campbell in Virginia, was baptized by him, 
and returned to the Western Reserve. He preached 
in Middlebury about a year. But he forsook the 
faith, and embraced some scheme of Universalian 
skepticism, and drew away a number from the gos- 



3S6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

pel. Vaughan's defection disheartened many ; yet 
though cast down the cause was not destroyed. The 
well instructed disciples never wavered, nor for an 
hour doubted the triumphs of the scriptural princi- 
ples they had embraced. Bro. A. B. Green was 
often with them, whose clear presentations of the 
gospel aided in building up confidence. Bro. M. L. 
Wilcox moved into Middlebury, and while "working 
with his own hands," he also gave a strong impulse 
to the struggling cause by his able and eloquent 
defense of it. A litigious preacher of the M. E. 
church, by the name of Thomas Graham, sought a 
discussion with Wilcox. The young mechanic 
shrunk not from this public appeal to defend the 
faith. The preacher plumed himself in high feather, 
expecting certain victory, and to gain the coveted 
mead of public applause for crushing the noxious 
heresy, as he assumed to call the ancient gospel. 
But " the race was not to the swift, nor the battle 
to the strong.'' Wilcox was panoplied in the armor 
of light. He brought such a compact array of Bible 
truth, enforced with an argumentative eloquence and 
brilliant original wit, against his clerical assailant as 
to compel him to forsake the line of serious investi- 
gation, and resort to ridicule. Rising in full figure, 
in his dignity he assured his audience that it was 
beyond all reason to expect that a common laboring 
man should understand theological subjects, as did 
one whose whole life had been devoted to such 
studies. *' It is absurd to suppose that a mechanic, 
who makes barrels for a living, however respectable 
his talents, or sincere his intentions, should be 
skilled in the profound themes of theology.'* Wilcox 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 357 
• 

bore the jibe with undisturbed equanimity. In reply, 
he awarded his opponent even more than his arro- 
gance claimed, of learned preparation for the occa- 
sion, and skill gained by many encounters. '* I am 
a mechanic. I claim to be nothing above a common 
laboring man — an honest cooper. And yet my trade 
may be of use in this discussion ; for if my oppo- 
nent swells much more I may have to hoop him ! " 
This sally of wit " brought down the house." *' Hoop 
him ! " cried one. *' Hoop him, Wilcox, hoop him ! " 
shouted others. The crowd became almost hilarious. 
Graham tried to rally. But it was useless. He was 
whipped by the half-suppressed ** hoop him ! " from 
all sides. His feathers drooped, and he retired from 
the contest. 

As may be well supposed the result of the few 
evenings spent in this investigation turned decidedly 
in favor of the original gospel. 

In the year 1834, Mr. T. H. Botsford came to 
Middlebury. Mrs. Botsford was a firm disciple. 
With a clear perception of the principles of the ref- 
ormation, and with unbounded confidence in- their 
truthfulness and power, she could not remain quiet 
and see the disciples scattered, and the cause pros- 
trate. She found another whose heart was as her 
own, in the burden that lay upon them to arouse the 
members to the work of the Lord. This person was 
Mrs. Eliza Parker, consort of Dr. Parker. She was 
a lady of intelligence, accomplished in her manners, 
good conversational ability, and, hke Mrs. Botsford, 
had consecrated herself wholly to the Lord. These 
Christian women visited personally all the disciples 
in Middlebury, Akron, and the township of Cov- 



358 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

entry, inviting them to Mr. Botsford*s own house to 
revive the meetings. At the first there was no 
brother to read, sing, or pray. With trembling heart, 
but unfaltering purpose, the worship was conducted 
by the sisters. No breaking of bread yet. That 
altar was not yet rebuilt These appointments con- 
tinued. Brethren Samuel and Elisha Bangs and 
Dan Moulton came over from Akron and gave them 
aid. A. B. Green, Wm. Hayden, A. Allerton, and 
others, threw in appointments. Bro. Green was em- 
ployed for a considerable time. William Hayden 
came frequently during the year 1836. The audi- 
ences increased, and the ordinances of the house of 
the Lord were again regularly observed. 

These were the days of heart-songs and heaven- 
reaching prayers. And the preaching ! It was hail 
mingled with rain! The prolonged hour flitted away 
unconsciously. The group of disciples tarried, ex- 
horted each other, sung warmly and feelingly a part- 
ing hymn, and with a final, earnest supplication they 
commended one another to the Good Shepherd, and 
separated. But they were unspeakably happy ! Poor 
pay the servant of the Lord received for his pocket, 
but he saw such eagerness to hear ; such evidences 
that his ministrations were thankfully appreciated ; 
such proof that he had resolved a doubt, confirmed 
a soul, lifted a heart into new light and comfort, that 
he went on his way rejoicing in a labor which was 
reducing him every week into str^itness and want. 
Such was the experience in all parts, but in no region 
more than in the district of country of which Akron 
was the center. 

This effort by the sisters to revive the church, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 359 

which constituted the second stage of its history, 
was made early in the year 1836. In the course of 
three years considerable accessions had been made 
to their numbers, and a new organization was de- 
manded. Bro. Bentley and Bro. Bosworth were 
called, who confirmed them in the faith, and ap- 
pointed Levi Allen and Samuel Bangs, overseers, 
and W. B. Storer and Jonah Allen, deacons. Their 
number was then thirty-two. This was in 1839. 
The year 1843 is memorable in the annals of that 
congregation. It was the year of expectation. The 
attention of the people of the whole country, from 
New England to the western prairies, was arrested 
by the bold position of the sincere, ardent, but mis- 
taken William Miller, of Low Hampton, New York, 
that the coming of the Lord and end of the world 
would occur in that year. Great religious awaken- 
ings pervaded the country. Multitudes, who had no 
sympathy with Mr. Miller on the time of the Lord's 
advent, drank into the spirit of revivalism which 
stirred all churches. Preachers were stimulated to 
extraordinary activity, by the calls for meetings, and 
the many doors opening to them, and their labors 
gathered in converts every-where. 

The church in Middlebury sent for Bros. J. H. 
Jones and Dr. J. P. Robison, who were wholly de- 
voted to preaching, and whose meetings were crowned 
with many conversions. These brethren were en- 
gaged in Pittsburg. Conferring with Bro. Samuel 
Church, they sent John Cochrane to answer the call. 
Bro. John TafTe being there at the time, he accom- 
panied Cochrane to Middlebury. The meeting arose 
to high interest, conversions were taking place 



360 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

daily, and the brethren finding more help needed, 
sent an express call for Bro. John Henry. That 
mighty man, " quick to hear/' but not ** slow to 
speak,'' received the word Saturday night. He 
preached three times Sunday at hon:ie, and at i 
o'clock Monday, he was at Middlebury, a distance of 
over forty miles. He dismounted only once on the 
way. His movements were like an electric flash. 
Before the hour for evening meeting the community 
were all apprised of his presence, and he began his 
sermons with no diminution of the crowd. There 
were forty-nine conversions, and one other addition. 

Henry's horse was like his rider, gay with life, 
eager for the track. The morning of starting home, 
the moment his bit was released from the hand that 
held him, he was galloping away, while Henry's long 
surtuit streamed back on the wind, presenting an 
amusing spectacle to the people along the street. 

Early in 1845, Dr. Wm. F. Pool moved into Ak- 
ron. With the healing art, which was his profession, 
he united the diviner art of healing the souls of the 
people, and during his residence he was a great sup- 
port to the church. In the winter of 1849-50, Bro. 
M. J. Streator became the pastor of the flock, and re- 
mained about ten months. The last of January, 
1854, W. S. Gray commenced his labor in the church, 
which continued about three years. Subsequently 
they have had Bro. J. C. Stark, J. G. Encell, J. O. 
Beardslee, L. Cooley, J. F. Rowe, and R. G. White, 
under whose able administration the congregation 
has tripled its membership. 



in the western reserve. 36 1 

The Church in Mogadore, Summit County. 

As the leaven, so works the gospel in the hearts 
of men. Near Mogadore there lived a disciple from 
Canfield, by the name of Conrad Turner. At his 
invitation, E. B. Hubbard and C. P. Finch preached 
there one Lord's day, in the summer of 1828. Just 
before this, Benj. Green had put the " Christian Bap- 
tist '' into the hands of William Richards, a candid 
man, not a professor, stumbled by the schismatic 
state of Christendom. To him, the preaching of 
Finch and Hubbard seemed rational. Hayden soon 
came, and made monthly visits. Seeing the interest, 
he returned in the spring, bringing Scott with him. 
They held a two days' meeting in the midst of the 
week, in J. Anson Bradley's new barn. The audience 
was large : they were on the King s business, and 
they *' hurried the people away to the valley of de- 
cision." There was some opposition, but it turned 
to the advance of the truth; as the preachers, instead 
of giving their opinion on the points of inquiry, 
read the word of the Lord, which effectually silenced 
controversy. 

The vine was planted and watered, and soon it be- 
gan to bear fruit. Hubbard returned and baptized 
Mrs. Wm. Richards. Then, on subsequent occa- 
sions, came Mrs. J. A. Bradley, Joseph Baird, Isaac 
Miller and his wife. In September, Wm. Richards 
obeyed. Then J. D. Green and his wife, Allen and 
his wife, and J. Anson Bradley. There were now 
thirteen of them. They naturally, in much opposi- 
tion, came together for encouragement and sympa- 
thy. The aged Bro. Churchill, of Randolph, came 
31 



362 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

among them, and under his counsels these new con- 
verts stood up before all the people, and entered 
solemnly into the holy obligations of a church of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. The organization took place in 
the year 1832, in the school-house near Mr. Asa 
Young's residence. 

They chose Wm. Richards with one voice as their 
leader, and Benjamin Green as deacon. It was a 
day of great responsibility ; and so felt each one of 
that little fraternity. The opposition was violent, if 
not formidable, and this was to all of them an untried 
step. Many pronounced in anticipation a failure of 
the attempt to gather disciples, and regulate the af- 
fairs of a church without rules written out and 
adopted by which to be governed. But this was one 
breastwork of the battle of that day. Relying on 
the wisdom of the Founder of the church for the 
sufficiency of the rules he has left in his Word, they 
clasped hands and held the grip till their hearts beat 
in unison in the same sublime trust in God and his 
Word. Their opposers were false prophets. The 
continued success of this church in all the following 
years has vindicated this action of these disciples. 

The church in Mogadore has borne her testimony 
unbroken from the beginning. In meetings and 
works of enterprise she has not been behind. All 
the preachers have gleaned sheaves in this field. In 
1835, Elder T. Campbell, on a tour among the 
churches, came among them. His gravity, gentle- 
ness, and authority enforced his instructions on the 
whole community. In 1836, they erected their house 
of worship. For several years the brethren who 
planted the church kept watch of their welfare. In 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 363 

1839, Dr. M. Jevvett settled there, a brother, who by 
the skill of W. Hayden, chiefly, had been rescued 
from the wilderness of doubt, engendered by the 
confusion in the religious world. Uniting his influ- 
ence with that of elders Richards, Baldwin, and J. 
D. Green, the church increased. A. B. Green was 
then visiting them a fourth of the time. Bro. 
Ryder followed for two years, half the time. Robi- 
son and M. L. Wilcox gave them much help. Brock- 
ett and Philander Green are cherished in grateful 
memory. J. Henry held a great meeting in 1843, 
with forty conversions. All the brethren from Deer- 
field were instant in their support. Bro. Moss for a 
time lived among them, as did Bro. Lillie also, both 
adding converts. Bro. J. H. Jones has here gathered 
many souls for Christ. 

To the faith and perseverance of the resident 
brethren already named, and the female members, 
whose names seldom appear in earthly chronicles, is 
mainly due the permanence and prosperity of this 
church. In later times the mantle has fallen on 
Bro. Simon Laudenslager, and the brethren Isaac 
and James Monroe, who, as officers and leaders, are 
holding well the ground. Bro. J. M. Monroe, of 
California, is a gift to the world from this church, 
and from the family of Bro. Isaac Monroe. 

The Church in Wadsworth, with Sketches of 
A. B. Green and Elder O. Newcomb. 

A. B. Green was born in Litchfield County, January 
12, 1808. His parents moved into Ohio in 181 1, and 
settled soon after in Norton, Medina County. Amidst the 
hardships of life in a new country, he was brought up ; 



364 EA.RLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

and in the midst also of the conflicts of Calvinism and 
Arminianism, and the resultant compound, Universalism. 
No wonder that, like many others, he became skeptical. 

On Sunday, his father, a steady church-goer, said, 
** Almon, are you not going to meeting?'* ** No, father, 
I think I will stay at home and read." The ^^ Family 
Testament," a new translation of the New Testament by 
Drs. Campbell, of Aberdeen, Macknight and Doddridge, 
compiled and published by Alex. Campbell, had recently 
made its appearance, and was attracting much attention. 
During the quietness of that blessed day, whose associa- 
tions all are favorable to calm and candid contemplation, 
Green read this new and attractive book. New light came 
into his mind, and a new interest was awakened in his 
heart. He arose after hours of serious perusal of it, ex- 
claiming aloud to himself, **No uninspired man ever 
wrote that book." The stormy and dangerous cape of 
infidelity being ^^ doubled," he sailed rapidly past the 
shoals and sharp rocks of '^ total depravity," '* final per- 
severance," etc., the drift and debris of theological per- 
iods, into safer channels. Reading regularly on, with in- 
terest deepening at every step, he came to Acts ii : ;^S ; 
^'Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name 
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall re- 
ceive the gift of the Holy Spirit." He asked Elder New- 
comb what this Scripture means. *^ It means what it 
says," replied the Elder, with his characteristic prompt- 
ness. This reply sent the meaning deep into his heart. 
In a few days he sent a letter to Elder Newcomb asking 
for baptism at his hands, which event took place Decem- 
ber 28, 1828. 

His mouth opened in praise, and in pleading the claims 
of the Savior of sinners. He soon went by invitation to 
Chippewa, Granger, and other places. Elder Newcomb 
was his counselor and steady help. Moved by him, the 
church granted a letter of commendation to the young 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 36$ 

Timothy, to go forth proclaiming the glad tidings. His 
first mission-trip opened at Stowe, September 10, 1833. 
One came for baptism. This was his first baptism. His 
tour was about three weeks ; from it he returned, his natu- 
ral timidity having yielded very much to an assured 
confidence that God was opening the way for him into 
fields of extensive usefulness. 

From this period he has belonged to the public. In 
all the counties of North-east Ohio, much in other parts 
of it, in other States also, and in Canada, he has ' ' fully 
preached the gospel of Christ." For more than forty 
years he has been zealously engaged and personally iden- 
tified with all the movements — missionary, educational, 
and social — tending to build up the churches, and extend 
the knowledge of the Redeemer's kingdom. 

The church in Wadsworth arose as follows : There had 
been a Baptist church in the community, principally in 
the care of Elder Obadiah Newcomb, a very worthy man, 
of good gifts and excellent sense. In the fall of 18 18, he 
came from Nova Scotia to Pittsburg, where he preached 
for a time, and associated with the ministers of the city. 
He came to Wadsworth in the spring of 1822, where he 
planted a Baptist church. The ^^ Christian Baptist" ap- 
peared soon after, and Mr. Newcomb obtained and read 
it. Its views of New Testament truth arrested his eager 
attention. Too conscientious to preach the doctrines of 
the *^ creed," now that he found them not among the 
apostolic '^traditions," he slackened in his ministry till 
these new and scriptural views became well formed in his 
mind. The church ran low. The ''Elder" was nearly 
silent, save at funerals and special occasions. But the 
"Christian Baptist" was faithful in its visits. It was 
read by him, by his family, and by others. William Hay- 
den came among the people about this time, and the 
smoldering fires burst forth in flames. There was agita- 
tion every-where. Mr. Newcomb exchanging the mien 



366 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

of a clergyman for the panoply of the gospel, lifted the 
sword of the Spirit and went into the battle. Green was 
baptized ; others followed. Williams came, and in Wads- 
worth, where the people formally heard Universalism from 
his eloquent lips, they now heard the original gospel in 
its simplicity, as it was first told by the holy apostles. 

The church of Wadsworth was formed in February, 
1829. The first day there were eight members : Obadiah 
Newcomb ; his two daughters, Statira and Matilda, re- 
cently baptized ; P. Butler, Samuel Green, A. B. Green, 
and John and Sarah Bunnell. Bro. Newcomb was ap- 
pointed elder, and John Bunnell, deacon of the new or- 
ganization. 

This church soon became a strong pillar. William 
Eyles, late judge of court, soon united with his family. 
Conversions were almost constant. The opposition was 
active, vigilant, and often virulent, but over all the gos- 
pel made steady and triumphant progress. 

The first yearly meeting held in Wadsworth was in 
September, 1833, in a new barn belonging to Bro. William 
Eyles. The meeting was noted for the numbers who at- 
tended it, and for the stimulus it gave to the cause of ref- 
ormation. Being quite removed from the sources and 
center of the work, the proclamation was new to large 
numbers who came a long distance to attend it. A. Camp- 
bell was present ; also William Hayden, John Henry, 
Marcus Bosworth, E. B. Hubbard, J. J. Moss, and many 
others. There were many converts. 

An incident occurred at this time which displays Mr. 
Campbell's character for discernment and candor. Aaron 
Pardee, a gentleman residing in the vicinity, an unbe- 
liever in the gospel, attracted by Campbell's abilities as a 
reasoner, and won by his fairness in argument, resolved to 
obtain a private interview, and propose freely his difficul- 
ties. Mr. Campbell received him with such frankness 
that he opened his case at once^ saying: '*I discover, Mr. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 367 

Campbell, you are well prepared in the argument and 
defenses of the Christian religion. I confess to you 
frankly there are some difficulties in my mind which pre- 
vent my believing the Bible, particularly the Old Testa- 
ment." Mr. Campbell replied: *'I acknowledge freely, 
Mr. Pardee, there are difficulties in the Bible— difficulties 
not easy to explain, and some, perhaps, which in our 
present state of information can not be cleared up. But, 
my dear sir. when I consider the overwhelming testimony 
in their favor, so ample, complete, and satisfactory, I can 
not resist the conviction of their divine origin. The field 
of prophetic inspiration is so varied and full, and the in- 
ternal evidences so conclusive, that with all the difficulties, 
the preponderance of evidence is overwhelmingly in their 
favor." This reply, so fair and so manly, and so differ- 
ent from the pulpit denunciation of ^^ skeptics," '^infi- 
dels," etc., to which he had been accustomed, quite dis- 
armed him, and led him to hear the truth and its evidence 
in a much more rational state of mind. Within a year 
he became fully satisfied of the truthfulness of the Holy 
Scriptures, and apprehending clearly their testimony to 
the claims of Jesus of Nazareth as the anointed Son of 
God, he was prepared to yield to him the obedience of 
his life. At a two days' meeting held there by Bro. A. 
B. Green and A. S. Hayden, Mr. Pardee and four others 
were baptized. 

Elder Newcomb being fully relieved of the irreconcil- 
able perplexities of the Calvinistic system, was now like 
an eagle fresh from the moulting. His joy was unbounded, 
and his zeal was equal to that of a new convert. He 
rode horse-back sixty miles, to the great meeting in Aus- 
tintown, in 1830, accompanying a full two-horse wagon, 
loaded w^ith members of his own family and others, to 
the same meeting. He preached, visited, and talked con- 
tinually. He had an element of sternness in his charac- 
ter. Going to the school-house early Sunday to meeting, 



368 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

he took his usual seat. He descried a young man across 
the room with a flashy guard-chain displayed in a con- 
spicuous manner over his vest. He looked at his Testa- 
ment, then cast a glance to the gay toy. After a few- 
moments he closed his book, walked across the house, and 
without uttering a word, gathered the glittering ornament 
off the young man's neck, put it all down into the owner's 
pocket out of sight, then walked back to his seat, and 
quietly resumed his preparation for the meeting. 

He once accompanied Bro. Green in a preaching tour 
to Bethany and the region round about. At a night 
meeting on Salt Run, Ohio, he arose before a full house, 
announced the hymn in usual manner, and requested some 
brother to '' set the tune." No one starting, he repeated 
the first two lines, saying: ^^I hope some brother will 
raise the tune." All were silent. Closing the book he 
said: *^The apostle James says; ' Is any merry, let him 
sing psalms; is any afdicted, let him pray.' I think the 
people here must be afflicted — let us pray 1 " 

This excellent man passed away universally respected. 
He died October 4, 1847, ^g^^ seventy -four years. 

The congregation in Wadsworth has been a light 
to all the region round about. It is mother of 
churches, and mother of preachers. The following 
proclaimers of the gospel received their earliest aid 
and encouragement there, and some of them were 
brought forth almost exclusively by this church : A. 
B. Green, Wm. Moody, Holland Brown, Philander 
Green, B. F. Perky, and Pardee Butler. Bro. L. L. 
Carpenter, also, from the church in Norton, a daugh- 
ter and dependency of Wadsworth, gained his guiding 
impulse there to his distinguished usefulness. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 369 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

The gospel in Ravenna, in Aurora and Stowe, Franklin and 
Hudson. 



The Church of Christ in Ravenna. 

THIS is one of the most stable of the churches. 
From its establishment, early in May, 1830, to 
the present time, a period of over forty-five years, it 
has never gnce ceased to meet on the blessed Lord's 
day, except as they agreed to omit in favor of the 
regular yearly meeting. 

The conversion and baptism of Ebenezer Williams, 
the Restorationist minister, living in Ravenna, by 
Aylett Raines, has already been mentioned. From 
this event the work opened, as Bro. Williams imme- 
diately began to preach the gospel which he now 
understood, and most ardently loved. His preach- 
ing being mostly abroad, no stand was taken for the 
apostolic gospel in Ravenna. In the winter of 1830, 
Marcus Bosworth sent an appointment to the Clem- 
ent district, three miles north-west of the town 
of Ravenna. His audience was small, but it yielded 
the fruit of one conversion, a brother Jonathan Stew- 
art. The 1 2th of March, William Hayden came. 
Seven souls turned to the Lord. From this time the 
tide of interest swelled. The subject of the new 
preaching was in every one's mouth. No lack of 
hearers now, and there were converts at every ap- 



370 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

pointment. The seeds of a pernicious infidelity had 
been early sown in Ravenna. They were bearing 
their bitter and baleful fruits in a reckless indifference 
to all sacred things, and the revolt of the soul from 
all religious obligations. Hayden was the man for 
such a people. Well prepared on the evidences of 
the Bible, and very expert in exposing the subtle and 
sophistical refuges of the unbelieving heart, his ser- 
mons were heard with great satisfaction and profit. 
Early in May, he collected the disciples together, num- 
bering twenty-six, and formally set them apart as a 
church of Jesus Christ. Bro. Sturdevant, a licensed 
preacher of the Baptist order, uniting, the new 
church was placed under his charge. It continued 
to prosper, gathering additions almost every time a 
preacher came in among them. Bros. Ryder, Atwater, 
Green, and the Deerfield brethren came, like Apollos 
and Timothy, to comfort their hearts and confirm 
their faith ; but Hayden and Bosworth were their 
chief reliance. In the absence of a preacher, the 
members assumed the duties of edification, and broke 
the loaf of blessing among themselves ; a practice in 
which the disciples on the Western Reserve were 
correctly taught in the beginning. In the summer 
of 1830, Scott delivered a discourse in the Methodist 
church, in the village, to a full and delighted audience. 
Fisher, of Kentucky, was with him. It was here he 
compared the creed to a silver quarter-dollar, which, 
though small, may be held so close to the eye that 
the sun can not be seen. Thus the creed, though a 
little thing, may hide the Bible from sight. 

In June, 1831, Mr. Campbell came to the Western 
Reserve. Mormonism had recently burst forth, and 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 37 1 

the emissaries of that crude and strange delusion 
were every-where active in calling victims into the 
snare. On his way he made Ravenna a point for a 
few addresses. William Hayden, with whom he had 
communicated in regard to his trip, obtained, with 
the assistance of the brethren, and fitted up with 
seats a grove in the environs of the town. A vast 
crowd of people came to hear the gifted advocate and 
defender of the Bible. The bold and prattling infi- 
delity, rampant in Ravenna, found no quarter at his 
hands. Like a pestiferous atmosphere, it was poison- 
ing and demoralizing all piety, all truth, all moral 
health, and was destructive to all social order and 
happiness. Mr. Campbell was at home in this de- 
partment of Christian labor. He surveyed his audi- 
ence, and directing well the range of his artillery, 
within two hours and a half the flotilla of their skep- 
tical crafts was shattered and sunken. " Heavens ! 
what an eye he has ! " said one of the master men to 
F. Williams ; " he scorches wherever he looks ! '' 

Court was in session. The presiding judge sent a 
note of invitation to Mr. Campbell to deliver a dis- 
course in the court room — the court, under resolution, 
adjourning for that purpose. He accepted the invi- 
tation, and on opening the service, with full and 
ringing emphasis, he read the hymn : 

** I 'm not ashamed to own my Lord, 
Nor to defend his cause ! 
Maintain the honor of his word, 
The glory of his cross ! " 

His masterly and convincing argument for the truth 
of the Bible, founded on prophecy, was then delivered 
in his own best style. Mr. John Harmon was then 



372 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES ^ 

publishing, in Ravenna, a little paper, the '' Ohio 
Watchman," an infidel sheet of some pretensions. 
The editor was in the assembly. In the sermon, 
Mr. Campbell, having made a climax in his argument, 
paused on it, remarking : ** He who can not see this, 
has closed his ears and shut his eyes, and is blind — 
as blind'* — gathering force by delay, '^as blind as the 
' Ohio Watchman ! ' " At the dinner table, at the 
hotel, where the judge and several of the lawyers 
were dining, the argument of Mr. Campbell was the 
topic of conversation. One of the young lawyers 
remarked : *' I could not see the point of Mr. Camp- 
bell's argument to-day!" "Very likely," replied the 
judge ; " arguments are always obscure to persons 
who can not understand them ! " 

Frederick Williams, long a prominent citizen of 
the county, an elder and useful preacher, was born 
in Hampshire County, Mass., March 2, 1799. He 
came to Ravenna, July 2, 18 15. On the 17th of 
September, 1828, he married Miss Marcia Underwood, 
an alliance of uninterrupted happiness to the present 
time. His mind had been imbued with Winchester- 
ian Universalism, but on hearing the gospel as pro- 
claimed by the apostles, his candid heart laid hold of 
it. In the year 1833, he and his wife were baptized 
in Sandy Lake by Amos Allerton. 

Bro. Charles Judd, a man of good sense, an excel- 
lent heart and devout mind, entered the kingdom 
about the same time. The accession of these two 
men added much weight to the cause. Father Stur- 
devant had been the chief presiding officer. These 
brethren were soon called to the bishop's chair, in 
which position, they co-operated by counsel and by 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 373 

public discourse to maintain the church for a whole 
generation. Few churches have been blessed with 
so judicious and efficient elders. Bro. Judd, full of 
honor and of hope, went to await his crown, Novem- 
ber 17, 1864, and was laid beside his foster son, the 
beloved and lamented Sterling McBride. Bro. Wil- 
liams tarries yet a little longer. 

The Congregation continued to meet in the Clem- 
ment district about ten years, when they moved into 
the village. They built their house in 1844. Bro. 
A. B. Green conducted the dedicatory exercises in 
December, from which time they have not only held 
the ground but gained in numbers, wisdom, and social 
power. 

Bro. John T. Smith was employed, Bro. Charles 
McDougal also. Bro. C. C. Foot served four years. 
He was followed by Bro. A. B. Green — five years. 
Bro. Lowe and Bro. Amzi Atwater came afterward. 
The congregation now flourishes under the adminis- 
tration of Bro. George Darsie. 

The first yearly meeting held in Ravenna was in 
June, 1838. It was held in a large barn fitted up for 
the purpose. The preachers in attendance were 
Hubbard, Marcus Bosworth, William Hayden, Moss, 
Allerton, J. W. Lanphear, A. B. Green, Robison, 
Moody, A. P. Jones and A. S. Hayden. 

Ravenna church has always hospitably entertained 
the brethren, and numerous conventions have, from 
time to time, found there a welcome. 

Present overseers : George Darsie, Albert Under- 
wood, Samuel J. Gross. Deacons : John Mahard, 
R. B. Johnson, Whiting Carter, P. P. Dawley, E. C. 
Belding, Alex. Clements. Members : 319. 



374 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Among the early fallen is Bro. S. McBride, reared 
in this church, the foster son of Bro. and Sister Judd. 
His serious and contemplative character in youth 
gave promise of a devout and earnest manhood. 
After progressing far in his studies in Hiram, he was 
graduated in Bethany, and immediately devoted him- 
self to preaching. In many places, especially in Sa- 
lem and New Philadelphia, he gained for himself the 
permanent esteem of the people for his amiable man- 
ners and efficient services in the gospel. He died 
of a fever while young. Intelligence of his death 
was received while the preachers' meeting was in ses- 
sion in Newburg, October 4, 1864. *'A committee 
was appointed to report resolutions expressive of the 
merited respect we owe to the memory of our dear 
Bro. Sterling McBride, just this day laid in the 
grave : 

^^ Whereas, We have learned with great sorrow of the 
unexpected death, only day before yesterday, of our be- 
loved fellow-laborer in the gospel, Bro. Sterling McBride ; 
therefore, 

^'Resolved, That we fully appreciate the great loss we 
have sustained in the sudden demise of that brother, of 
gentle and amiable spirit, a highly appreciated preacher 
of the gospel. With great assiduity he struggled under 
pecuniary embarrassments till he gained a college diploma, 
and with it a clear and sound education. Of modest man- 
ners, an earnest and confiding heart, firm and decided in 
character, he possessed a high and honorable friendship, 
and a well regulated Christian character. As a preacher 
he already controlled a wide influence. We feel that the 
churches in Ohio have suffered a great loss in the fading 
from our sky of a bright star ; and we in this meeting 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 375 

also, as he was one of the most diligent members of this 
association. 

''Resolved^ That we have a deep sense of the loss sus- 
tained by his afflicted wife and children, in the early de- 
mise of her devoted husband and their affectionate father. 

A. S. Hayden, ") 

F. M. Green, Sec, E. H. Hawley, y Com, 

L. COOLEY, 3 

The Church in Aurora. 
This church was established October 17, 1830, by 
the indefatigable William Hayden. He laid his plan 
and pursued it. He visited the community at regu- 
lar intervals, and by much private conversation, as 
well as by his cogent and instructive discourses, he 
laid the foundation of a permanent work in the solid 
instruction of the people. No man has less confi- 
dence in mere revival processes. No one ever had 
more in the illumination of the understanding as the 
method of reaching the heart and persuading the 
will. Discarding the arts of revivalism, he was 
strong in reasons for his statements, and often at- 
tained a high degree of argumentative eloquence in 
his appeals. To such a nature, a measure of opposi- 
tion was necessary to awaken his reserve forces and 
to marshal them in the best position and order. 
This stimulus was not wanting in Aurora. No won- 
der, then, that the city of the great King was built 
up there on granite, and that it has remained to this 
day. The earlier converts included some of the 
most sensible, shrewd, and intelligent citizens of the 
community. Upon the organization of this congre- 
gation, they had such men as Gamaliel Kent, Russell 
G. McCarty and Samuel Russell, to whom, as elders, 



3/6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

they committed the management of their affairs. 
For four years the church met in the south school- 
house, by Eli Cannon's ; after this they moved the 
meetings to the center of the township. 

Bro. Marcus Bosworth was early on the ground. 
Happy the people who heard the weeping Bosworth. 
He was brimful of tenderness. " Little children, let 
us love one another, for love is of God ;** came as nat- 
urally from him as from the lips of the beloved dis- 
ciple. He and Hayden were greatly attached, and 
they were counterpointed in a most admirable man- 
ner to be co-workers in the gospel. Soon after the 
church got under way the serene and stately Bentley 
came among them, adding the weight of piety, ex- 
perience, and great personal dignity, elements both 
needful and rare, to enforce and carry on the work 
of reform. 

The following were the original members : Isaac 
H. Streator and his wife Clarina Streator; their chil- 
dren Charity, Cyrus and Marius Streator ; Alonzo Root 
and his wife ; Whitney Smith and his wife ; Simon 
and Sally Norton ; Polly Ruggies, Mary Lake, Ga- 
maliel H. Kent and his wife ; Russell G. McCarty 
and his wife ; Samuel Russell, Joel Giles, and So- 
phronia Stanton. In a short time, both Henry and 
Alanson Baldwin, with their wives, came in. For 
many years they were leading men, and their boun- 
tiful hospitality was an efficient means of sustaining 
the cause. Bro. Henry Baldwin, for many years one 
of the overseers, moved twenty years ago to Niles, 
where he fell peacefully asleep June, 1875, aged 82 
years. 

The next year, June, 1831, following the outburst 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 377 

of Mormonism, there was held a grove meeting in 
Aurora, east of the center. Mr. Campbell was pres- 
ent, as were likewise many of the preachers. Hon. 
A. G. Riddle, in his recent work, entitled : ''The 
Portrait : a Romance of the Cuyahoga Valley/' has 
written so truthfully concerning it that I transfer his 
description to my page : 

^^The woods were full of horses and carriages, and the 
hundreds already there were rapidly swelled to many thou- 
sands ; all of one race — the Yankee ; all of one calling, or 
nearly — the farmer ; hardy, shrewd, sunburned, cool, 
thoughtful and intelligent. The disciples were, from the 
first, emancipated from the Puritan slavery of the Sabbath ; 
and, although grave, thoughtful and serious, as they were 
on this Sunday morning, it was from the gravity and se- 
riousness of the occasion, and little from the day itself — 
an assemblage that Paul would have been glad to preach 
to. 

*^At the hour of eleven, Mr. Campbell and his party 
took their places on the stand, and after a short, simple, 
preliminary service, conducted by another, he came for- 
ward to the front. He was then about forty years old, 
above the average height, of singular dignity of form, and 
simple grace of manner. His was a splendid head, borne 
well back, with a bold, strong forehead, from which his 
fine hair was turned back ; a strong, full, expressive eye, 
aquiline nose, fine mouth, and prominent chin. He was 
a perfect master of himself, a perfect master of his theme, 
and, from the moment he stood in its presence, a perfect 
master of his immense audience. 

**At a glance he took the measure and level of the 
average mind before him — a Scotchman's estimate of the 
Yankee — and began at that level ; and as he rose from it, 
he took the assembled host with him. In nothing was he 
like Rigdon ; calm, clear, strong, logical, yet perfectly sim- 
'32 



378 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

pie. Men felt themselves lifted and carried, and wondered 
at the ease and apparent want of effort with which it was 
done. 

" Nothing could be more transparent than his statement 
of his subject; nothing franker than his admission of its 
difficulties; nothing more direct than his enumeration of 
the means he must employ, and the conclusions he ^nust 
reach. With great intellectual resources, and great acqui- 
sitions, athlete and gladiator as he was, he was a logician 
by instinct and habit of mind, and took a pleasure in mag- 
nifying, to their utmost, the difficulties of his positions, 
so that when the latter were finally maintained, the mind 
was satisfied with the result. His language was copious, 
his style nervous, and the characteristic of his mind was 
direct, manly, sustained vigor; and under its play he 
evolved a warmth which kindled to the fervor of sustained 
eloquence, and which, in the judgment of many, is the 
only true eloquence. After nearly two hours, his natural 
and logical conclusion was the old pentecostal mandate of 
Simon Peter, and a strong, manly and tender call of men 
to obedience. There was no appeal to passion, no effort 
at pathos, no figures or rhetoric, but a warm, kindling, 
heated, glowing, manly argument, silencing the will, cap- 
tivating the judgment, and satisfying the reason ; and the 
cold, shrewd, thinking, calculating Yankee liked it. 

'^As the preacher closed and stood for a response, no 
answering movement came from any part of the crowd. 
Men were running it over, and thinking. Unhesitatingly 
the orator stepped down from the platform upon the 
ground, and moving forward in the little open space, began 
in a more fervid and impassioned strain. He caught the 
mind at the highest point of its attainment, and grasping 
it, shook it with a half indignation at its calculating hesi- 
tation, and carrying it with a mighty sweep to a still higher 
level, seemed to pour around it a diviner and more radi- 
ant light; then, with a little tremor in his voice, he im- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 3/9 

plored it to hesitate no longer. When he closed, low 
murmurs broke and ran through the awed crowd ; men 
and women from all parts of the vast assemblage, with 
streaming eyes, came forward ; young men who had climbed 
into the small trees from curiosity, came down from con- 
viction, and went forward to baptism; and the brothers 
and sisters set up a glad hymn, sang with tremulous voices, 
clasping hands amid happy tears. 

'^Thus, in that far off time, in the maple woods, under 
the June sun, the gospel was preached and received.** 

For the next three years there was a steady in- 
crease. In June, 1834, the yearly meeting was in 
Aurora. It was one of much historic importance; 
a large number of preachers attended it, many of 
whom, before this, were nearly strangers. Hymns 
and tunes, known by leaders, were caught and trans- 
fused throughout the mass of eager disciples, and 
carried home to animate the rising churches every- 
where. Chauncey Forward, from Somerset, Pa., was 
present as the chief speaker. Aurora was his home 
in his youth. He had attained a distinguished posi- 
tion at the bar and in Congress ; but having confessed 
the Lord Jesus, he renounced the professions of law 
and the rulership of men, and he appeared on this 
occasion among the scenes of early years, to plead 
the cause of primitive Christianity. His abilities as 
a reasoner and eloquence in appeal, commanded the 
profound attention of large audiences daily. There 
were thirty-one converts, some of whom afterward 
became public advocates of the gospel. 

In the year 1837, under the charge of Henry and 
Alanson Baldwin and A. V. Jewett, as building com- 
mittee, the meeting-house was erected, and dedicated 
by John Henry. The next year, brethren Clapp and 



380 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Green held a meeting in it, with thirty conversions. 
In 1855 it was burned. A better one was immedi- 
ately erected at a cost of $1500, and dedicated by 
A. S. Hayden. In 1843, a great meeting was con- 
ducted by Bros. J. H. Jones and John Henry, which 
brought in thirty additions. The same year, M. L. 
Wilcox came and preached for two years with great 
acceptance. 

There were churches formed in Streetsborough 
and in Bainbridge in the year 1845, which drew mem- 
bers from this church and reduced its strength. 
These societies, after flourishing a number of years, 
have both become extinct ; but the parent church, 
though weakened, has never failed to keep the light 
burning. "From first to last the church has had as 
teachers, William Hayden, M. Bosworth, A. S. Hay- 
den, A. Bentley, J. J. Moss, John Henry, Charles 
McDougall, J. T. Smith, T. Munnell, J. Hartzel, A. 
Allerton, A. B. Green, W. Collins, B. F. Perky, 
M. L. Wilcox, N. Dunshee, T. J. Newcomb, H. W. 
Everest, J. A. Garfield, C. P. Bowler, E. Doolittle, 
S. A. Griffin, B. A. Hinsdale, O. C. Hill, and some 
others." But to the home membership all credit is 
due for faithfulness and devotion to the cause in all 
times and amidst many trying discouragements. 

A good story went the rounds, in early day, of 
one David Shepherd, a blacksmith, who came into 
Aurora about the beginning of this Bible reform. 
His wife and a female relative of hers, professors of 
religion, were, before coming into town, warned by 
their friends against the " Campbellites," and straitly 
charged, and were put under formal pledge, not to 
hear them. Having received so strict a charge, they 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 38 1 

retired into the inner prison, secured by high and 
strong walls of prejudice. Isaac Streator, Esq., 
already a convert to the faith, coming to Shepherd's 
shop on business, talked freely about the preachers, 
the preaching, and the interest aroused on all sides. 
He concluded by inviting Shepherd to come to the 
south school-house and hear John Henry, a man of 
native wit, of good sense, and great power. Shep- 
herd went, timidly. Unexpectedly he was greatly 
pleased, hearing for the first time a gospel he could 
understand and read in his Bible. Buying a cheap 
testament, convenient for the pocket, he examined 
the passages referred to in the sermon, and found, truly 
enough, the doctrine of baptism of the repenting per- 
son for the remission of sins clearly and fairly taught 
by the apostles. He ventured to read the portions 
of Scripture containing this truth in the presence of 
his family. They "pitched into" him. "There, you 
have gone and got one of those CampbeUite testa- 
ments, which they have made just to suit their doc- 
trine ! I wonder you are not afraid to have it about 
you. That reads so, of course, and teaches the doc- 
trine, for they made it so." Shepherd smiled, but only 
inwardly, willing to bear the reproach, for he wished 
to enjoy the joke a little longer. At length, he asked 
them to take the old family Bible, which they were 
sure contained no such awful heresy, and carefully 
compare the two. They consented, and the compari- 
son began. Passage after passage was slowly read 
over, word by word. To their utter amazement and 
confusion the good old trusty Bible actually con- 
tained the very words and language, and of course 
the doctrine, denounced as " Campbellism !" What 



382 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

was to be done ? They could scarcely believe their 
own eyes. His testament v/as then examined. It was 
found to contain the imprint of the " American Bible 
Society ! " They saw the *' situation " — their igno- 
rance of their own Bible and its plain teaching. He 
relished their confusion, but was generous enough to 
listen to their earnest and repeated charges to *' tell 
nobody!" But it told itself. They came out to 
hear, and all of them obeyed the gospel, despite pro- 
tests, vows, and cautions, choosing nobly and rightly 
to obey God rather than man. 

Another incident is related of a woman of good 
sense and intelligence, who came to Aurora from the 
State of New York to visit her relatives. She was 
at once told of the new heresy — that they took the 
people, and if they just said they believed, they bap- 
tized them without any change of heart, and then 
they were sure of heaven. 

This woman, in deep astonishment, said : " Surely 
they get no persons of intelligence or respectability 
to follow them.^" ''O, yes, some of the best and 
most substantial people in town are among their con- 
verts." She replied, '' There is certainly something- 
wrong about this ; for no person of common sense 
can believe such things as you tell me they preach : 
I must hear them myself" She went, heard, saw the 
truth, obeyed it, and returned home rejoicing in the 
new light of gospel truth which shone upon her 
heart. 

Rise of the Congregation in Stowe. 

In 183 1, the gospel was introduced into Stowe by 
William Hayden. David Darrow was the first fruit. 
All who knew him counted him just the man to 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 383 

break ground. Honest, frank and decided, he grasped 
the gospel with wonderful energy. The cause owed 
much to his zeal and decision. John Henry was 
also early on the ground. At one time Henry, Hay- 
den, and E. Williams met here by agreement, when 
many heard the truth and several converts were 
gained. Rev. A. Bronson, presiding elder of the 
M. E. Church, had an appointment in the house at 
the same time. No little stir was created, as the 
militant elder had already gained a reputation for 
zeal against the disciples. He used every opportunity 
to attack the new doctrine, as he represented it. In 
this case the appointment of these brethren was 
prior to his, but they yielded to his contentious de- 
termination, and sat down to hear him. In opening, 
he announced with full voice the hymn : 

*' Jesus, great Shepherd of thy sheep, 
To thee for help we fly, 
Thy little flock in safety keep, 
For O, the wolf is nigh ! " 

No one doubted to whom he meant to apply the 
term wolf But like the terms orthodoxy and heter- 
odoxy, its meaning depends much on who uses it. 
The shrill-voiced singers in the audience, looking up 
to the large, dark form of the preacher, sang ^* wolf" 
as well as he. Henry, in reporting it, said they all 
sung '*wolf," ''wolf," but himself; and he neither 
sung wolf nor howled ! The sermon which followed 
was a perversion of the views of the disciples. But 
ample correction followed, and the cause of reform 
gained by the opportunity. 

In September, 1833, Green preached here and bap- 
tized his first convert. The cause gained constantly. 



384 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

forcing its advancement through intense opposition 
Students, and occasionally a professor, from Hudson 
college, only a fev/ miles distant, practiced their skill 
in attempted refutation of an imaginary novelty which 
they styled ** Campbellism." The converts, however 
were too well grounded in the Scriptures to be 
alarmed by these misdirected assaults. If the school- 
houses were closed, private houses were opened 
The Darrows, the Sawyers, the Starks, the Stowes. 
the Thomases, the Lindsays, and the Gaylords received 
the truth in the love of it, and soon united to sustain 
meetings on the Lord's day. In June, 1834, Timothy 
Wallace obeyed the gospel in Aurora, at the yearly 
meeting. These principles were making progress at 
the same time, and by the same agencies, in Frank- 
lin, and in Hudson township. In the north-west part 
of Hudson, Williams and Hayden were successful in 
teaching the people the difference between the church 
of Christ founded on the New Covenant, and all ec- 
clesiastical organizations established on human foun- 
dations. Zina Post and his family, with his son-in- 
law, Bro. A. E. Foote, *' hearing, believed and were 
baptized ;" Sherman Oviatt also, and others, in such 
numbers that they founded a church there which con- 
tinued many years. In Franklin the Converses, the 
Wadsworths, the Clapps, and the Burts were the be- 
ginning of the congregation known afterward as the 
church in Kent. 

Among the proclaimers who aided in planting the 
churches of Stowe, Hudson, and Kent, were Allerton, 
Hubbard and F. Williams also, of Ravenna. Wm. 
Hayden and A. B. Green were the most frequently 
with them. Several times in the great yearly meet- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 38$ 

ings Bro. D. S. Burnett, of Cincinnati, has plead here, 
with his great abilities, the claims of the Lord Jesus. 

Over the most of this region the sentiments of 
UniversaUsm prevailed. With these the principles 
of the gospel came in sharp collision ; constantly in 
private, and several times in public, there were dis- 
cussions on the subject. A debate of several days 
was held in Franklin between A. B. Green and Rev. 
Davis, which opened the eyes of many to the dan- 
gers of the slippery rock on which they were stand- 
ing, and led them to Christ. 

After several years, the church in Stowe suspended 
meetings as the result of removal and other causes. 
But the remaining members kept the fire burning, 
and a reorganization of the church was made Janu- 
ary 9th, 1844. It was effected during a meeting 
held by Charles F. Bartlett, J. P. Robison and A. S. 
Hayden. The members then, were David Darrow, 
Zebulun Stowe, Eli Gaylord, B. Stark, C. Thomas, 
J. C. Willis, Datus E. Lendsay and Constant Rogers, 
with their wives, and Miss C. Stark — sixteen mem- 
bers. In April, 1873, twenty-nine years after, it had 
one hundred and twenty members. 

This church has long been a light to the county. 
With lavish hospitality the members have repeatedly 
welcomed the great Tent meetings, and have been 
richly repaid in the fruits of edification and conver- 
sion. Among its honorable and most useful names 
now gone to rest, should be mentioned David 
Darrow, Zebulun Stowe and Edwin Wetmore, faithful 
leaders, who long, zealously, and cheerfully gave a 
powerful support to the cause. These, with the names 
of many others, are cherished in grateful hearts. 
33 



386 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

As resident preachers, they have had W. T. Horner, 
S. R. Willard, A. C. Bartlett, H. J. White; while 
scarcely any of the preachers known in north-eastern 
Ohio can be named who have not aided them in meet- 
ings. This church is the religious birth-home of 
L. Southmayd and J. C. Stark, brethren who have 
done, and are still doing, effective service as preachers 
of the gospel. 

Her present elders are U. Marvin, A. S. Wheeler, 
and William Southmayd. Deacons, A. C. Stowe, 
J. R. Ream, and L. Hartle. They have sustained a 
lively Sunday-school for twenty years, and have a 
valuable church property with a parsonage. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 387 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Origin of the Church in Bedford — Yearly Meetings — Sermon by A. 
Campbell — Bartlett — Robison — Jones — Prominent Preachers — 
The Gospel in Newburg — Great Yearly Meeting — Quarterly 
Meeting — Incidents. 

THE congregation in Bedford arose in the follow- 
ing manner: E. Williams came in May, 1830, 
and preached the way of salvation, where formerly 
he had taught Restorationism. Newell C. Barnum 
was the first convert. He came monthly during the 
summer ; and in June, Enoch Allen and some others 
were baptized. In July, Mrs. William Williams, of 
Newburg, Livonia Payne, " Grandmother Barnum,*' 
Julia Barnum, and Laura Gould came in. In the 
fall, Wm. Hayden held a meeting and baptized eight, 
and from this time he held the ground. In Novem- 
ber, 1832, he held a meeting with Bro. Moss, and in 
the following month he formed the church with 
twenty members. Thomas Marble was chosen the 
overseer, and Enoch Allen and Geo. M. Payne, dea- 
cons. Bro. Green, on his first tour of preaching, 
came in September, 1833. The next year Moss be- 
came a resident of Bedford, and for five years he as- 
sembled with them and taught many. 

In August, 1835, ^ ^^w appointment of officers 
took place. Allen Robinett and Enoch Allen were 
elected overseers ; Samuel Barnes, N. C. Barnum, and 
W. W. Walker, deacons. These served till December, 
1837, when Sidney Smith and James Young were 



388 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

chosen to serve as the bishops, and Enoch Allen, 
Alanson Gray, George Comstock, and Charles F. 
Bartlett, who was baptized the month before, came 
in as deacons. 

In July, 1840, James Young and Sidney Smith 
were re-appointed elders, together with C. F. Bartlett 
and R. S. Benedict, while the ever-faithful Enoch 
Allen continued to serve the church as a deacon, his 
co-deacons being now S. F. Lockwood, Augustine 
Collins, and S. A. Hathaway. The congregation had 
now become numerous, and in her board of rulers 
were men of much solidity and judgment. 

The year 1837 was one of marked prosperity for 
the church. In August, James Young and his wife 
united, also Dr. J. P. Robison, Sidney Smith, and 
others, whose position gave weight to their influence. 
In November, Chas. F. Bartlett and John S. Young 
came to Christ. Two of these, Robison and Bart- 
lett, arose to extensive usefulness as proclaimers of 
the gospel. About thirty souls united between 
August and December. The church, thus lifted up 
to great strength, and filled with a zeal *^ according 
to knowledge,** added constantly to her numbers, 
seldom a week passing without accessions. 

The year 1838 was no less prosperous. In March, 
of this year, James Egbert, moving in from Salem, 
and finding the liberty of the gospel as a ground of 
union and fellowship among Christians more con- 
genial to his views than the creed basis of his 
former profession, he gave up the sect for the church 
of Christ. Mrs. Fanny Willis, a person of intelli- 
gence, and a worthy member of the Baptist church, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 389 

laid aside the name and terms of party in favor of 
the union of Christians in the new covenant. 

This enterprising church opened a ** door of faith" 
in school-houses and private dwellings, in all avail- 
able places, and by unremitting appeals the com- 
munity became thoroughly leavened. 

The yearly meeting for Cuyahoga County was held 
with the church in Bedford, in the year 1839, ^^^ ^^^^ 
assembling in that town. It was held on the Lord's 
day beside the meeting-house which was erected by 
the generosity of Sister Willis, a house intended for 
the use of the Baptists, but which, with her change 
of views, became the property of the Disciples. This 
house was filled on Friday the first day of the meet- 
ing. After a discourse by Bro. J. Hartzel, and an 
exhortation by Bro. M. Bosworth, Bro. Campbell fol- 
lowed with a eulogium of much power, beauty, and 
eloquence on the Holy Scriptures. 

This meeting was noteworthy for several reasons : 
The principal men of the Western Reserve who had 
risen up for the advocacy of the gospel were present. 
Some came from Canada and the State of New York. 
Bro. Joseph S. Havener, now of Barnwell District, 
S. C, then young, recently arrived from Ireland, 
added interest by his gentle and genial speech. But 
the overmastering attraction of the occasion was 
due to the presence and discourses of Mr. Camp- 
bell. With all the great powers of his manhood in 
full energy, he came before the vast auditory as comes 
a man only once in an age. His attendance at the 
first yearly meeting in the county, in Newburg, in 
1835, at the still greater occasion at Euclid, in 1837, 
and more especially his defeat of the allied forces 



390 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

of infidelity in the city of Cleveland, in June, 1836, 
gave him a reputation all along this region of the 
lakes, as the first and ablest of living orators. 

His discourse on Saturday was from Jer. vi : 16 : 
*'Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and 
see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good 
way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your 
souls. But they said. We will not walk therein." 
This subject was taken at the instance of Cyrus 
Bosworth, and grandly did he plead that day for a 
return to *'the good old way" of the Savior and his 
apostles. On Lord's day he held the great audience 
of five thousand in fixed attention for two and a half 
hours by the watch, in a discussion of the atone- 
ment, a theme offering little attraction to a popular 
assembly. Yet he made this difficult subject so 
luminous with his rich stores of biblical learning, 
that time passed unconsciously to his listening audi- 
tors, very many of whom, for want of seats, stood 
the whole time of the sermon. 

This discourse was regarded as very able by those 
best capable of judging, yet it was valued less on 
account of its eloquence than for the scriptural light 
it shed on this most important subject. Instead of 
the partial views of it taken by many, Mr. Campbell 
surveyed the whole field. He viewed it not merely 
as intended to propitiate God, and so to procure 
favor for man, nor chiefly as a motive to lead man to 
repentance. He rose above all scholastic pjiiiloso- 
phies, and treated the sacrifice of our holy Redeemer 
as having a relation 

To God ; 

To his government ; 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 39 1 

To Sin ; 

To the Sinner ; and 
To the suffering Savior ; 
and discussed all these bearings of the subject in 
the clear light of the teachings of the Holy Spirit. 

The effect of this sermon was immediate and salu- 
tary. It presented this vital theme in a breadth 
and comprehension in which few, perhaps none, had 
been accustomed to view it ; it asserted clearly and 
convincingly the death of Christ as a sacrifice, es- 
sential to the salvation of sinners ; it vindicated the 
Holy Scriptures in their teaching on that subject, so 
often objected to by skeptics ; it delivered the minds 
of his hearers from limited views, and opened to 
them the richness and extent of the subject to which 
they were not accustomed, and greatly exalted Christ 
and his salvation in the conceptions of the people. 
It set the pleadings for reformation on a new and 
solid basis, and greatly enhanced the importance of 
it as distinguished from the limited creed views of 
the religious parties. It may well be doubted if Mr. 
Campbell ever delivered a sermon of greater power, 
or of more direct and useful purpose. There were 
twenty-six converts at this meeting. 

Three years afterward, September 2, 1842, the 
great anniversary was again in Bedford. The first 
tent prepared by the brotherhood for these yearly 
gatherings was now brought into use. The brethren 
of Bedford stirred themselves to have it ready for 
this occasion, and the ample canvas afforded protec- 
tion from the falling rains. Bentley, W. Hayden, 
Robison, O'Connor, and A. S. Hayden, resident in 
the county, were present ; and from other counties. 



392 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Henry, of Trumbull ; Collins, of Geauga ; Green, of 
Summit ; Lanphear, of Medina ; J. H. Jones, of 
Wayne ; Arny, of Bethany, Virginia ; besides Moss, 
Cooley, and Lillie. This was Bro. Jones* introduc- 
tion to the Western Reserve. He became immedi- 
ately identified with all our religious work. At this 
meeting the blessed gospel gave abundant proof of 
its power to turn the people to the Lord, fifty-four 
coming penitently to Jesus Christ. This was the 
largest number yet received at any of these meetings. 
Brethren Henry and Jones were the Jupiter and 
Mercurius of the meeting, and their talents formed a 
good combination for public effect. Henry came as 
a storm ; he spoke with authority, calling to repent- 
ance with the fire and zeal of Elijah ; while Jones 
flowed in exhortations of persuasive tenderness, 
which gained all ears and won many hearts. 

He was born June 15, 181 3, lived for a time in 
Brookfield, Trumbull County, then became resident 
with his parents in the county of Wayne, where he 
was nourished up in the faith and order of the Bap- 
tist churches. At the age of nineteen, he heard the 
gifted John Secrest, near Bucyrus, on the waters of 
the Whetstone, where he confessed his faith in Christ. 
From that day he was the Lord's. He traveled 
awhile with Secrest ; immediately and every-where 
exhorting sinners to " flee from the wrath to come." 
He improved by the ardent and persuasive manner 
of that bold and successful preacher, and, like him, 
he excelled in touching the heart, and bringing souls 
into the kingdom. 

But all hearts were warm then, and each one was 
ready with a word in season, an exhortation, a 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 393 

prayer, or a stirring song to sustain the life and an- 
imation of the meetings. The memory of those 
scenes is inspiring to the heart. They were joyful 
with holy enthusiasm, and the new converts were 
filled with hope. The hymns — and all sung them — 
were, many of them, millennial in sentiment ; and 
held to the heart the hope of the coming of the 
Lord, and of the glory to be soon revealed. Some 
described the day of judgment in such pathos and 
power, as to fasten conviction on many souls. So 
great was the ardor and zeal, that the gospel in some 
of its great themes was the subject of general con- 
versation in private houses, as well as of discourse 
in public assemblies. 

This congregation has ripened many souls for the 
eternal kingdom. Among those deserving a record 
is Bro. Charles F. Bartlett, who, immediately on his 
conversion in the autumn of 1837, was called by his 
brethren to positions of responsibility, first as a 
deacon, then as an elder. Possessed of a genial and 
affable manner, with a social and warm heart, and 
ready in speech, his improvement was so satisfac- 
tory that on the 22d of May, 1842, he was called to 
the work of the ministry. His influence increased 
constantly. He preached in surrounding churches, 
every-where respected and beloved. But his life was 
cut short in the midst of his days. On the Sth of 
February, 1848, he went to his reward. His cheer- 
ful, companionable manners and unstinted hospital- 
ity, won him many friends. The mourning for him 
was deep and general. He sustained himself from 
his farm while laboring for the good of others. 



394 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Like most of the early preachers, the warfare was 
mostly at his own charges. 

^ Dr. J. P. Robison, whose accession as a member 
occurred August 20, 1837, soon became a leader by 
the concurrent wish of the congregation. His intel- 
lectual and social qualities, together with his talent 
for business management, naturally brought him to 
the front. Few were the enterprises which ren- 
dered this church numerous, which were not either 
prompted or led on by him. Ready to serve, as well as 
prompt to direct, with the co-operation of the gener- 
ous helps in the church who stood with him, Bed- 
ford rapidly became a radiating center. Bro. Robi- 
son yielded to the unanimous voice of his brethren, 
and on the 25th of October, 1840, he was appointed 
and ordained as a preacher of the gospel. 

For several years he " gave himself wholly to the 
work." For it he laid aside an extensive ride as 
physician, a profession in which he was very suc- 
cessful; and, until driven from the field by scanty 
support, an experience which he shared in common 
with others, he preached extensively, and brought 
many converts into the churches. Throughout the 
Western Reserve, in Pittsburgh, Bethany, and Cin- 
cinnati, he became known by his zeal and success. 
He labored with all the preachers, but Bro. J. H. 
Jones and " the Doctor/' associated in meetings 
more than others. During the animating period of 
the **holy war,'* from 1840 to 1844, these evangel- 
ists proclaimed the glad tidings with unbounded suc- 
cess. Their work was heroic — their dispatches Na- 
poleonic. The following from the Doctor's hand are 
good specimens of the life and spirit of the times : 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 395 



*' Dear Bro. Hayden: 



''Allegheny, 21st Feb, y 1842. 



*' Yours is to hand. I am quite happy to learn that the 
good cause is still progressing in the land of my friends. 
We have a great excitement here. Many are inquiring, 
and many are astonished at the doctrine. Up to this 
time the converts number fifty-seven,* and the brethren 
on the other side are waiting with great anxiety for us to 
come over and help them. They think there never was 
the like of Bro. Jones, and well may they, for he waxes 
warmer and bolder in the good cause. All the friends 
are in health. I may get to see you in Wellsburg. I will, 
the Lord willing, be at Ohio City the third Lord's day 
in March. When will you be in Wellsburg, and how 
long ? I hope to go to Bethany. I have said something 
to them on the prophecies ; so has Bro. Jones, who backed 
me up. My love to all who love the appearing of our 

blessed Lord. 

*' Yours in the hope, 

''J. P. ROBISON.'' 

''Bedford, October 6, 1842. 
^'Dear Bro. Hayden: 

"I get joyful news from Euclid. I hear from twenty 
to thirty are immersed. I have been with you for days in 
the spirit of the great turning to the Lord. Bro. Collins 
and myself are to be in Ohio City, the Lord willing, on 
Friday two weeks. We would be happy to see you there 
for a few days, or some time during our stay. Please ride 
up if you can. 

"What do you think of the Canada excursion? We 
ought to let those dear friends know beforehand if we go. 



* There were one hundred and forty- two converts in the meeting ; 
thirty of them in Pittsburq:h 



396 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

'^ I am very busy bringing my business to a close. May 
the Lord bless you and strengthen you with all strength. 
I feel for you, and should have been over ere this if I had 
been more propitiously circumstanced. But those bright 
'stars* — heaven alone can reward your exertions. 
*' Yours in the blessed hope, 

'7. P. ROBISON.*' 

The following relates to the planting of the church 
in Munson, which arose chiefly by the labors of Bro. 
Robison. It was written the day fixed by Mr. 
Miller and his friends for the coming of the Lord 
and the end of the world : 

'^ Bedford, ^d April, 1843. 
^' Dear Bro. Hayden : 

^'I am just home from Munson where I got seventy- 
six additions. I am, as you may calculate, nearly ex- 
hausted, after speaking almost incessantly for ten days. 
But the Lord be praised for his goodness, and mercy, and 
long-suffering, not willing that any should perish. 

'* Bro. Hayden, I want to see you. If I knew you to be 
at home, I think I would almost come over. You have 
heard, no doubt, of the Ohio City thirty. I have got 
since I returned home from Pittsburgh, one hundred and 
twelve in all— four Lord's days. 

'* Yours in the Beloved, 

^'J. R Robison.^' 

**P. S. The 3d of April is past, and we are still to 
' cleanse the sanctuary ' by preaching the gospel, I sup- 
pose. J. R R.'* 

^* Aylko^, February 2, 1844. 
'' Dear Bro. Hayden : 

'*I am at Akron — have been here since Wednesday. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 397 

Spoke three times, and baptized fifty ; among which are 
Mr. Pickands and family. Speak this evening, and start 
in the morning for Wooster. Bro. Cook had left some 
four days before I reached here. Pray for me, Bro. Hay- 
den. I wish you was here. The brethren are happy — 
Middlebury brethren and all. We have a happy time. 
*' Yours in the hope of Jesus Christ, 

*7. P. ROBISON.*' 

*' P. S. My love to Bro. Fitch. 

*' Spoke this evening — fourteen more. Baptize at eight 
in the morning, and then start for Wooster. 

'']. P. R.'* 

The church was sustained by its internal strength, 
and by aid from abroad in yearly meetings and pro- 
tracted meetings, till the year 1856, when Bro. J. O. 
Beardslee was secured to labor in the congregation. 
He preached till his appointment as a missionary to 
Jamaica. After him, the church has been served 
successively by J. H. Jones, E. H. Hawley, Hiram 
Woods, A. B. Green, and Robt. Moffett. 

As overseers, she has had Thomas Marble, Allen 
Robinett, Enoch Allen, Sidney Smith, J. P. Rob- 
ison, James Young, C. F. Bartlett, R. S. Benedict, 
S. F. Lockwood, Augustine Collins, Samuel Barnes, 
James Egbert, W. B. Hillman, A. T. Hubbell, A. 
Drake, R. J. Hathaway, Hiram Woods. 

For nearly twenty years the Board of managers of 
the Ohio State Missionary Society was located in 
Bedford, of which Dr. Robison was the continued 
chairman ; and this enterprising church has always 
contributed liberally to sustain the missionary work. 
The number of members rose at one time to nearly 
five hundred — it is now considerably diminished. 



398 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



Sketch of our Missionary, J. O. Beardslee. 

He was born in Bridgewater, Ct., September ii, 1814. 
In his fourteenth year he united with the Congregational 
church, and was sprinkled at the time. He would have 
preferred immersion, but that church would not immerse 
him ; nor would the Baptists, unless he joined them, 
which would, by their rules, exclude him from *' fellow- 
ship'' with other Christians. In this dilemma he pre- 
ferred to him the least objectionable course. 

He entered the Western Reserve College in Hudson, in 
1833, at the age of nineteen years. His antislavery pro- 
clivities took him to Oberlin when presidents Mahan and 
Finney assumed control there. His class of four was the 
first that graduated in that institution, in 1837. His 
studies were all in view of the ministry, and before he left 
Hudson he had his heart on some foreign mission as his 
ultimate purpose. While in Oberlin he gathered some 
converts, one of whom was afterward his co-laborer in Ja- 
maica. In pursuit of better health, he took a voyage to 
that island, in 1838, just after the emancipation of the 
300,000 slaves on the island. Inspired by the congenial 
climate, and, still more by the necessities of that people, 
he felt that Providence had selected this as his field of 
life work. He returned, collected funds in Connecticut 
and Ohio; was ordained to the ministry in Mt. Vernon, 
Ohio, and sailed again for Jamaica. For the first seven 
years his receipts from abroad were only three hundred 
dollars. He was invited to take charge of the Normal In- 
stitution, under the auspices of the British Board of Man- 
agers, for fitting native teachers. This post he held seven 
years, and resigned it to take charge of the Mission 
church in Kingston, in connection with the London Mis- 
sionary Society. He lost his companion in 1847 l ^^d 
married again in Kingston, in 1848. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 399 

His change of views, and of ecclesiastical position, I 
can give from his own pen : 

'*When I left Jamaica in 1855, on account of failing 
health, I had arrived at the conclusion that the immersion 
of believers was the only authoritative baptism. After a 
time, I accepted the charge of a small Congregational 
church at Rawsonville, (Grafton,) a village comprising 
representatives of several denominations, no one of them 
being able to support a preacher. This led me to search 
for some basis of union. I preached on the subject ; 
and, without knowing the position of the Disciples on 
that point, I presented what I afterward found to be pre- 
cisely their views as the only true basis of Christian unity. 
It was to satisfy the scruples of a young lady on the sub- 
ject of no creed and infant baptism, that I was led to re- 
view the whole matter; and I came to the conclusion that 
I ought to be immersed forthwith in obedience to the 
command of Christ. I applied to Elder Nesbitt, a Bap- 
tist, who resided in Grafton, to baptize me. He could . 
not attend to it for two weeks, and I went to Wellington 
to see a Baptist preacher there. But as he would not im- 
merse me except on condition of my uniting with the Bap- 
tists, I concluded to wait for Elder Nesbitt. I made 
known my intentions to the church, and met with no op- 
position. On the 23d of March, 1856, I was buried with 
my Lord in baptism. Before leaving the water, I im- 
mersed the young lady referred to and another convert. 
I was then on the eve of a change of location, having 
accepted a call from the Congregational church in Colla- 
mer, with which, and its results you are familiar.'* 

Bro. Beardslee came to enter on his engagement in 
Collamer, and after his first sermon, which was on a prac- 
tical theme, he frankly made known his change of senti- 
ments ; he was willing to fraternize with them, and they 
would probably have borne with his baptism, as they were 
much pleased with him. But on learning, in answer to a 



400 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

direct question, that he could not conscientiously christen 
their children, they reconsidered their call, and, by a 
small majority, rescinded it. Thus, and for this reason, 
turned away by that people from their fraternity, he came 
that Lord's day evening to hear me, and there com- 
menced our mutual and cordial acquaintance. 

Meantime William Hayden had heard of him, and of 
his baptism by Elder- Nesbitt. He went to Bro. S. R. 
Willard, and urged him to go°at once and make known to 
him our plea and ground of union. Bro. Willard was 
prompt to visit him, and his message of love was favor- 
ably received. Hayden also went to Bedford, and made 
known the case to Dr. Robison, by whose influence the 
church extended a call to him to visit them, with a view 
to settlement among them. ^^On the second Lord's 
day,*' continues Beardslee, ^*we were mutually prepared 
to accept each other as brethren in the common faith. 
That was the beginning of a new and blessed era in my 
life's history. Before, I had been as he who saw men 
' as trees walking ; ' now as the same man who saw 
'clearly.'" 

From this time his heart was set to return to Jamaica. 
He longed to reveal to them the light which was so clear 
and joyful to him. Our general missionary society sent 
him out, and in January, 1858, he set sail with his family 
from New York, for Kingston. He began his labors in 
that city, and on the ist of May he organized the first 
church on the island, on the New Testament basis, with 
seven members. The work went on with great success, 
but amidst violent opposition. In five years there were 
nine churches, and about a thousand members. This was 
followed by eighteen months of absence in the United 
States. The work in the hands of the native preachers 
was less prosperous. But Bro. Beardslee returning again 
to their aid, two and a half years of unremitting labors 
revived the interest, and more than doubled the number 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 4OI 

of churches. Bankruptcy in the missionary treasury 
compelled his surrender of this most promising field. He 
left Jamaica in 1868, greatly to the disparagement of the 
mission work, as he was the needed leader of that great 
work, of which he had been the father and the founder. 
From that time to the present, his efforts to collect 
funds to enable him to go to their aid have only re- 
sulted in disappointment to him, and to the greater disap- 
pointment of the expecting churches of the island. 

Among the happy children of this church in Bedford, 
arose the benignant Harry S. Glasier, a brother, who, in 
a short time, won to himself the sincerest regards of many 
friends. He was born in Twinsburg, November 7, 1836, 
though reared in this church as a nursing mother. He 
graduated in Bethany, July 4, 1863, and was ordained as 
a preacher the same day, by Bros. Campbell and Bentley. 

His devotion and earnestness in preaching brought many 
to repentance. He was gifted with a warm, friendly 
heart, was a good talker, and never failed to improve every 
opportunity for Christ. He married a companion of equal 
sincerity, and well adapted to his work — Miss Eliza E. 
Clapp — and settled with the church in Belair, Ohio. The 
congregation grew in numbers and religious feeling during 
the three years of his ministry there. He was naturally a 
pastor — ** naturally caring for the state*' of all the mem- 
bers. He became tenderly attached to the people, and 
they to him; so that when death came and seized him from 
them, they mourned as for a near kinsman. He went to 
assist in a meeting in Pittsburgh where he fell, September 
8, 1866. He was carried and laid in the cemetery in Bed- 
ford. He left his devoted companion and daughter to 
inherit his virtues and his excellent name. 

Bro. Glasier was frank, free-hearted, generous, and un- 
selfish ; attentive to all his friends, and of a very sympa- 
thetic temperament. He served the people. He served 
his God, and he took him early. 

34 • 



402 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



The Congregation in Newburg. 

As far back as 1827 and '8, Ebenezer Williams, 
then an advocate of Restorationism, gathered some 
converts in Newburg. When the scales of that per- 
nicious speculation fell from his eyes, and he learned 
the gospel, he sought to undo his work there, and to 
repair the damage. Some time in the fall of 1828, 
he appeared among his former admirers, delivered a 
few addresses, which awakened a marked interest, 
and left without farther results. 

In June, 1832, the first convert was gained. It 
was under the vigorous appeals of the heroic W. 
Hayden. Two years before, he had started a church 
in Aurora. Henry Baldwin, of that place, carried an 
appointment to Newburg, and urged his sister and 
her husband, Col. John Wightman, to go and hear 
this original preacher. A large audience assembled 
in the town-house. Such preaching took them all 
by surprise. It was neither Universalism, to which 
they had been accustomed, nor the doctrine of any 
of the religious parties. It was only and simply the 
gospel as taught in the New Testament. 

Many saw the truth, but only one man arose to 
take his lamp to meet the bridegroom. This was 
John Hopkinson. He was afterward elder of the 
church, and stands yet,* after an interval of over 
forty years, on precisely the same ground assumed 
at the beginning. Hayden and Williams continued 
their visits, holding the ground, and gaining con- 

* Bro. Hopkinson has just fallen asleep in the hope of immor- 
tality. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 403 

verts. September, 1833, Wightman and wife, and 
Eliza Everett, and several others, were baptized by 
Bro. Williams. Great awakening of the people, and 
farther conversions followed. At one of his visits 
Williams baptized a young lady of social attractions, 
by the name of Julia Parshall. She was gifted with 
superior musical powers, and as soon as she was 
lifted above the baptismal water, she sang full and 
clear : 

** Now my remnant of days 

Will I spend to his praise 
Who has died my poor soul to redeem ; 

Whether many or few ; 

All my years are his due, 
They shall all be devoted to him.'* 

Williams writes, ** There were more than half a dozen 
infidels standing within a few feet, who were very 
much moved by the scene.*' 

The Disciples were filled with joy and the Holy 
Spirit. They studied the Scriptures daily and dili- 
gently to learn the truth themselves, and to be able 
to teach it to others. They met often for songs, and 
prayer, and mutual encouragement, and when a 
preacher came, they had many questions to pro- 
pound. Thus light rapidly increased, and they be- 
came intelligent in the Christian religion. They 
were zealous to propagate the gospel which shed so 
much light and joy on their own souls. It was 
common for the Disciples of Newburg to come to 
Euclid, (now Collamer,) to meeting, a distance of 
seven miles ; and for these in turn to attend at New- 
burg to help the brethren there. Each was fille 
with the joy which inspired all the rest. Happ 
times ! Will they ever return to gladden our hearts ? 



404 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Such zeal with our present numbers would in a 
twelvemonth set the whole land ablaze ! 

Society in Newburg was full of infidelity. But the 
gospel never lost a battle. Strong arguments and 
powerful appeals from such men as Hayden, Hartzel, 
Green, AUerton, and Moss, laid the foundation of a 
lasting work, and soon established a church on Bible 
principles, which has never ceased to meet, nor failed 
to hold forth the word of life. 

The "yearly meeting*' for the year 1835 ^^s held 
in Newburg, on the farm of Colonel Wightman. 
Collins well said of him, " he was a princely man." 
With the noblest generosity and breadth of views, 
he made provision both for the entertainment of the 
people, and for the best business management of the 
occasion, that the widest possible benefits might 
flow from it. It was duly announced in Cleveland. 
Prominent citizens were especially informed and in- 
vited. A grove was selected, seated, and covered 
with boards. All the other members also came 
heartily to the work, and there was nothing wanting 
to make the people welcome. Bro. Wightman lodged 
a hundred guests, and supplied provisions without 
numbering the participants of his bounty. 

This meeting was historic. The Disciples, now 
numerous, came from long distances. Discourses 
were delivered by Alex. Campbell, Wm. Hayden, A. 
B. Green, M. S. Clapp, and a few others ; and even- 
ing meetings were held in neighborhoods around. 
For four days the meeting, like the manna about Is- 
rael, lay round among the people, the subject of 
thought and conversation by all. A large number 
of converts were baptized on Monday by Bro. Green. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 405 

At 8 o'clock Monday morning, the preachers, at 
Mr. Campbell's invitation, met him in the rear of the 
tent, to whom he submitted the proposition to hold 
meetings for mutual improvement. He spoke of it 
as a school to be continued, in which there should 
be sermons delivered, subject to examination in 
matter and style. It was unanimously approved, and 
the first one was appointed to be held in New Lis- 
bon in the following December. About fifteen 
preachers met with him that morning. 

The brethren becoming now well established, they 
assumed the duties and prerogatives of a congrega- 
tion of the disciples of Jesus Christ. From that 
period to the present, the candlestick has not been 
removed. 

None of our churches, Warren only perhaps ex- 
cepted, had preachers or "pastors" settled among 
them. The casual watch-care and aid given them by 
the traveling ministers, many of whom were more 
intent on extending than building up the churches, 
was insufficient to check dissensions, and to guard 
the folds from encroaching dangers. Many churches 
suffered greatly, and some perished. This in New- 
burg ran low, and its light was nearly extinct. In 
their extremity they appealed to Bro. Hartzel, who 
came in April, 1842, and immediately commanded 
attention by his able statement and defense of the 
gospel. He lifted it above all mere " church " or 
partisan religions, and powerfully beat back the 
forces of infidelity, which had grown strong and de- 
fiant. On Lord's day, the twenty-first of that month, 
he reorganized the church, with twenty old, and 
fifteen new members. At this time Youngs L. 



406 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Morgan and Caleb Morgan came in with their fami- 
lies. The congregation gained such strength that 
soon after, under the able ministrations of Bro. J. 
D. Benedict, they built a good house. They have 
maintained a good testimony, and are now flourish- 
ing under the labors of J. H. Jones. For many 
years their Sunday-school has prospered, and for the 
last few years especially, by the skillful management 
of Bro. Browning ; and the children are rising up to 
take the place of their parents in handing down the 
gospel uncorrupted to generations after them. 

Incidents of the Yearly Meeting in 1835. 

On Saturday night some son of Belial thought to 
break up the meeting by cutting down a large tree, 
so its immense brushy top might fall directly upon 
the seated tent. His mischief failed. The tree fell 
merely along the edge of it, displacing some of the 
boards, but not otherwise doing any injury. The 
incident probably added emphasis to many a phi- 
lippic against sin and sectarianism. Mr. Wightman 
had no doubt who the malicious man was who per- 
petrated the deed. He went to him in the morning 
and said to him : " If it is any satisfaction to you to 
commit such depredations, you can do it with the 
assurance that you can never incite me to retaliate. 
You may depend on my doing you a kindness when- 
ever it is in my power." 

Mr. Wightman's hospitality has been mentioned. 
Tables were carried out in the yard, under the 
shadowing maples, plentifully loaded with provisions. 
There was neither stint in the supply nor attempt to 
number the people who partook thankfully the pro- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 407 

fusion set before them. After disposing of his guests 
one night, Wightman came to Wm. Hayden and 
said : " Bro. Hayden, the best lodging I can give you 
is on the floor, for every thing is full." " I will not 
sleep on your hard floor," said the witty William. 
So taking two benches he placed them together and 
camped down on them, saying *' Now I am comforta- 
bly fixed for the night." 



408 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES^ 



CHAPTER XX. 

Rise of the cause in Euclid—Church formed by T. Campbell — 
Preachers arising, and growing success — The Church in 
Cleveland established — Planting of the congregation in East 
Cleveland. 

THE first church in EucUd was Presbyterian. 
Luther Dille was a member of it. In 1820, 
Elder Hanks, a Baptist, preached in that town, and 
Dille, becoming convinced by the New Testament 
that immersion was the true baptism, united with the 
Baptists. Having buried his wife, he married, Sep- 
tember 7, 1828, Mrs. Clarissa Kent, sister to Benjamin 
Blish, of Mentor. She was a disciple ; her husband 
and William Hutchinson were the deacons of the 
Baptist church. Returning from the *' Communion " 
one Sunday, Mrs. Dille asked her husband why she 
could not commune with them. *' I could myself," 
said he, "but our church could not." *'Why not.*^" 
" Because you are not of the same faith and order." 
*' That 's the creed," she replied ; adding. " I can never 
put my hand to a creed ! " He said : " Then we can 
never be together." She asked him, " If you should 
see that we are right, would you unite with us ?'' " I 
would," was his prompt reply ; not thinking, it is 
presumed, that he would be put to that test. But 
she was satisfied and comforted by his answer, con- 
vinced of his scrupulous honesty and independence of 
character. Her confidence in these excellent quali- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 4O9 

ties was not misplaced, neither were her expectations 
of his early change destined to be disappointed. 

Soon afterwards, meeting Rigdon in Mentor, she 
related the conversation to him. He remarked : " I 
will go up and take their deacons from them." In 
the autumn of 1829, he came, preached a few days, 
and baptized Eri M. Dille, Lurilla Dille, Leonard 
Marsilliott and wife, Mrs. Perry, Mary Ann Perry, 
Clarissa Perry, Mrs. Cranny, and her daughter Fanny 
Cranny. These, with Sister Dille, were associated 
together for meetings. Rigdon, taking Luther Dille's 
hand, said : " Will you not go with these young con- 
verts and take care of them.^" "I will.'* This was 
his change ; a happy one to him, and blessed to hun- 
dreds. He was so full of joy on discovering that 
salvation is offered to all men in the gospel that he 
could not sleep. " I always thought,*' he said, " I 
was like some whom Paul spoke of, *ever learning 
and never able to come to the knowledge of the 
truth.* The creed and the doctrines of Calvinism I 
never could see through, but I thought I must ac- 
cept them, and thought I believed them ; but now 
the gospel plan of salvation is so plain, it fills my soul 
with joy unspeakable.*' " I am tired waiting on the 
people," said Mrs. Dille ; " you must let me rest." 
But he could not sleep. He rose, got his hymn-book 
and sung, then prayed, and so he spent the night — 
too happy to sleep. 

Elder Baily and deacon Beebee came to recover 
him from the error of his ways. The elder was full 
of assurance and pomp. " Uncle Luther," new in 
the faith, was not well prepared for defense. Mrs. 
Dille wished to help him, but refrained. She stepped 
35 



4IO EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

across the way and called in A. P. Jones from his 
school-room, who entered and sat quietly down on 
a low seat. At a juncture, Baily having quoted 
Scripture in disproof of the "new" doctrine, Jones 
spoke : " If you would read the whole of that passage 
it would make directly against your views/* " Mod- 
esty becomes a young man,'* said Baily, in contempt. 
" And wisdom becomes age," quickly replied the young 
teacher, and then quoted the language. '*It does 
not read so," said the elder. " We shall see," said 
Jones ; and taking out his testament, he read out the 
exact words he had quoted. Mr. Baily was discom- 
fitted. He was persuaded with difficulty to remain 
till after dinner. He returned to deacon Hutchinson's, 
who asked. What have you done with deacon Dille ? 
" O, he has fallen asleep in the lap of Delilah ! " 

In April, 1830, Elder Thomas Campbell came and 
organized the church in scriptural order, setting 
apart, by imposition of hands, Luther Dille as elder, 
and Leonard Marsilliott and Eri M. Dille as deacons. 

Bro. William Collins came about the same time, 
laboring with great acceptance, and adding to their 
numbers. Lanson O'Connor heard him, and said to 
him : '* You are the first man I ever heard preach the 
gospel.** He obeyed it, and plead it zealously till his 
death. To Bro. J. J. Moss also the church was, and 
ever will be, greatly indebted for his zealous labors in 
teaching the people, and defending the principles of the 
gospel. Rigdon*s fall staggered many, but Mormon- 
ism never made a convert in Euclid. This is much 
owing to the presence of Moss. He debated with 
one of their elders, and so routed him that he fled 
from the community. Bro. Washington O'Connor 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 4I I 

rose up in the church and became very useful in 
keeping the members together, and adding to their 
numbers. This young brother was soon on the wing, 
encouraged by the church, and became very useful 
as a proclaimer of the gospel. He traveled exten- 
sively in Lorain, Huron, Erie, Wayne, and Holmes 
counties, bringing many souls to Christ. He mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Dille, and after a few years he 
settled in Mishawaka, Ind., where his useful life 
terminated May 12, 1859, ag^d fifty-one years. 

Damon O'Connor, also, was many years a promi- 
nent member ; and Armon O'Connor, one of the 
first to embrace the faith, baptized by A. P. Jones, 
October, 1832, was chosen associate in the eldership 
with Luther Dille, a position he held with credit for 
many years, and till he removed to another church. 

William Hayden was one of the first to sow the 
seed of the kingdom in this community. A meeting 
held by him and Bro. Moss in Shumway's barn made 
a great impression, and is talked of yet, after nearly 
forty years, as a notable occasion. 

The first of the great yearly meetings in Euclid 
was in September, 1837, ^"d was a memorable oc- 
casion. The attendance was by thousands. Mr. 
Campbell's former visits to the county, and especially 
his signal triumph over the Anakims of skepticism 
the year before, in the city of Cleveland, freshly and 
favorably remembered, called crowds to hear him. 
His discourse on Lord's day was one of his most 
masterly efforts. It was founded on Gen. iii: 15; 
and showed the nature and design of positive in- 
stitutions as tests of obedience. It was a power- 
ful argument against infidelity. Assisting in the 



412 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

meeting, were Butler, of Indiana, Hayden, Green, 
Bentley, Clapp, Moody, Williams, Allerton, Collins, 
Moss, Veits, O'Connor, Atwater, Brown, and A. S. 
Hayden. The immediate result was nineteen conver- 
sions. This meeting formed an epoch in the history 
of this church and of the cause of primitive Christi- 
anity in all that region. The plea was lifted high 
into public notice, and many, from this hearing, after- 
ward became obedient to the faith. 

In October, the following year, a successful meet- 
ing was conducted in Euclid by A. P. Jones, Moody, 
and Robison. Eight additions. 

A few months after, February, 1839, John Henry 
came for eight days. The brethren not having a 
meeting-house, they rented a vacant store-room in 
the village. This, for nearly three years, was their 
meeting place. It was crowded nightly to hear this 
invincible champion of the truth. There were ten 
added to the number, seven of them conversions. 
Among these last was an old sea captain, Jephtha G. 
Nickerson, from New Bedford, Mass. In command 
of a vessel, he had made most of the commercial 
ports of the world — had visited Malta, the island 
where Paul was cast ashore. He had been ship-wrecked 
on the Mediterranean ; and now, spending a quiet 
winter in the secluded village of Collamer, he turned 
in to hear the stranger. Henry's manner, bold, de- 
cided, energetic, exactly suited the captain, whose 
own nature was a compacted tempest. He under- 
stood the preacher. For the - first time he heard 
something plain, tangible, and common sense on the 
subject of conversion, and well backed up with Script- 
ure. He obeyed, and his soul was as tender as the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 413 

mourning-dove. Sleep left him, but " songs in the 
night " came to him. He learned the hymns, and his 
mouth was opened with a '* new song.'* 

He said to Bro. Henry : " I have a brother David. 
I '11 have him here next winter. You must come 
back and convert him." So spoke the earnest sailor. 
Henry made a promise, and he never forgot one, that 
a year hence he would return. 

Intervening, June, 1839, J- J- Moss and A. S. Hay- 
den held a two days* meeting in the same store-room, 
resulting in nine conversions. The next February, 
at Bro. Henry's arrival, both the captains were at 
home. The younger one discovered in the teachings 
of the gifted preacher what had never been suggested 
or hinted in all the preaching to which he had list- 
ened ; that in the gospel God has made known the 
way of salvation through faith, repentance and bap- 
tism, into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ; that 
this, his established order, is open to all men to the 
end of time. His soul was kindled as he saw the 
way so plain that " the wayfaring man could not err 
therein ; " and he also turned to the Lord. Several 
others also were added. 

The yearly meetings this year, 1840, one of which 
was in this church, were marked with peculiar inter- 
est. Bro. Campbell says of them : 

*'We attended the yearly meetings in Warren, and in 
Euclid, Ohio, held annually in the last week in August and 
the first week in September. Both meetings were well at- 
tended with public laborers. Present at Warren, were 
brethren C. Bosworth, J. Hartzel, J. Henry, S. Church, 
E. Williams, A. AUerton, M. S. Clapp, Dr. Robison, 
A. S. Hayden, S. Ryder, W. Collins, M. Martin, C. Mc- 



414 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Neely, Z. Rudolph, H. Brockett, W. Beaumont, C. E. Van- 
voorhis, Abijah Sturdevant and Dr. A. W. Campbell, 
Besides a number of these, there were at the Euclid meet- 
ing, Elder A. Bentley, W. Hayden, J. J. Moss, and 
others. 

'^ From a number of detailed statements we 

concluded that the number of disciples on the Reserve 
has nearly, or altogether, doubled during the last year. 
The churches also are in the very best order ; the laborers 
have been more industrious, more engaged, and, conse- 
quently, more successful during the present season. Bro. 
William Beaumont has immersed 75 in New Lisbon; Bro. 
Henry, 140 since the beginning of the year; Bro. Wesley 
Lanphear and J. H. Jones have baptized many ; and, 
indeed, all the laborers have reason to bless the Lord and 
to renew their courage in the glorious work of saving men." 

There were 43 immersed at the meeting in War- 
ren, and ten in Euclid. On Monday, Bro. Moss made 
a stirring appeal for greater liberality in support of 
the gospel, asserting strongly the need of a brother 
to be sent out among the churches to arouse them to 
this duty. William Hayden was his man. He offered 
to be one of four who would give him the sum of 
three hundred dollars for a year s labor to this end. 
" Who will be the other three ? " Samuel Miller, late 
of Willoughby, was quick on his feet. '* Who next } *' 
Casper Hendershot, of Euclid. ** Now the third ? " 
holding firmly to his point. Bro. Webster, of Mentor, 
completed the quaternion, and William Hayden ac- 
cepted the mission. 

There was a great ingathering here in October, 
1842. A. S. Hayden began the meeting in the audi- 
ence room of the meeting-house, which was yet un- 
finished. The work of conversion began with the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 415 

meeting. After several days, and the baptism of 
twenty-eight, the laborer dispatched a note to Bro. 
Robison, of Bedford, who was in his carriage in thirty 
minutes after receiving it, and in ninety minutes 
more was on the ground, a distance of twelve miles, 
ready for work. He remained five days. Forty 
souls were brought into the kingdom. 

In March, of 1847, ^^o- Isaac Errett labored a 
week, gathering in twenty; and in 185 1, the church 
was increased by the addition of twenty more by Calvin 
Smith and B. F. Perky. After this, W. A. Belding 
and J. H. Jones held very successful meetings at 
different times. The new meeting-house was erected 
in 1862-3. 

Elder Luther Dille, having served as bishop of the 
church over thirty years, with great efficiency and 
universal esteem, fell asleep, April 18, 1863, aged 79 
years. The other churches closed their meetings at 
an earlier hour than usual, that the people might 
come and mourn together over a man whose Chris- 
tian character won the respect of all who knew him. 
That day the church lost its first elder, who, in all 
his administration, had been a model of firmness, in- 
tegrity, impartiality and philanthropy. 

The Church Established in Cleveland. 

The first discourse in this city, on the "ancient 
gospel" as plead by the disciples, was delivered by 
the pioneer, William Hayden. It occurred under the 
following circumstances : Coming to Armon O'Con- 
nor s, a new convert from Euclid, then living in 
Brooklyn, two miles west of the Cuyahoga River, Bro 
O'Connor asked him to preach in the village, down 



4l6 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

near the river. This was before even "Ohio City" 
was known or named. Hayden replied that he would 
do so, if an audience could be obtained at lo o'clock 
on a certain Monday morning which he mentioned. 
O'Connor agreed to these terms. About 8 o'clock 
of the appointed morning, Bro. O'Connor started and 
canvassed the entire community, visiting every house. 
One hour and a half accomplished the patrol. Every 
family was invited, and nearly every one came. The 
preacher took up the subject of "election," much dis- 
cussed those times, and in a full and vigorous argu- 
ment he stated and replied to the leading proofs re- 
lied on in support of the foreordination of a select 
few to eternal life ; and in contrast with this unscrip- 
tural hypothesis, he opened a free salvation through 
faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. The sermon 
was listened to with marked attention, as well for the 
boldness and novelty of the preacher's manner, as for 
the freshness and power of the scriptural views he 
presented. This was in October, 1833. The ground 
thus gained was never lost. He introduced Bro. 
Moss and Bro. Green, who astonished the people 
by their knowledge of the Bible and power in teach- 
ing it. Among the first converts were Mrs. Armon 
O'Connor, baptized by Bro. Moss ; and W. B. Storer 
and his wife, who were baptized by Hayden at the 
yearly meeting in Richfield, September, 1834. Bro. 
Hayden preached in the old academy in Cleveland 
to full assemblies. Some of the converts recently 
gathered into the church are the fruits of those ser- 
mons delivered thirty years before. 

At the conclusion of the meeting held on Mr. 
Wightman's farm, in 1835, ^^ was arranged for Mr. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 417 

Campbell to preach in the court-house on Monday 
afternoon at 4 o'clock. It was the old court-house 
which stood on the south-west corner of the public 
square. There were only two hours to circulate the 
word. No time for hand-bills. This appointment 
was at the solicitation of Thomas Hawley, an intel- 
ligent disciple, who not long before had moved from 
Shrewsbury, England, and was then a resident in 
Cleveland, At his suggestion, his son Joseph and 
Armon O'Connor went through all the principal 
streets, and in clear ringing tones announced in stores, 
shops, and private houses, that Alexander Campbell 
would preach in the court-house at 4 o'clock. These 
messengers were young and active. The whole city 
heard, and the court-room was overflowing before 
the hour arrived, all anxious to hear him. 

Sheriff Wightman's influence was great with the 
officials, and with the people, by whom he was much 
respected. Through him the court-house was opened 
several times for William Hayden, whose discourses 
were listened to by full audiences. His brother held 
a two days' meeting in it. Discourses were delivered 
there by Moss, Williams, and Collins. These sermons, 
like the leaven in the meal, were doing their work. 
They opened the way for the harvest which ere long 
was reaped in the city. But it was in June, 1836, 
the greatest advance was made in Cleveland. On a 
trip to New England, Mr. Campbell stopped in the 
city and delivered some discourses in favor of the 
Bible. These sermons aroused the skeptics in the 
city, and Irad Kelley volunteered as the defender of 
infidelity. A few speeches and rejoinders were made, 
when Mr. Campbell urged the infidel junto, for it 



41 8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

appears they had no defined organization, to put forth 
their champion, as the discomfiture of any other 
would not be acknowledged by them as the overthrow 
of their cause. Skepticism in the city of Cleveland 
was then delivered into the hands of the intrepid Dr. 
Underbill, to make for it the best defense in his power. 
As court was to open the next day, the first Presby- 
terian church, of which the venerable Dr. Aiken was 
pastor, was freely granted for the continuance of the 
discussion. 

The conclusion of this debate of four days, which 
attracted the attention of the whole city, is thus de- 
clared by Mr. Campbell: 

** After hearing some other reiterations from Taylor, and 
some explanations from Mr. Kelley, and some very flatter- 
ing compliments from my friend Underbill, with the great- 
est urbanity and good nature we came to a close — I reca- 
pitulating the whole, and showing that now, after so long 
and so patient a session, we had heard these leaders of the 
skeptics of Cleveland display, if not all they had, certainly 
the best and the strongest allegations they had to offer. It 
could not be difficult to see the nakedness of the land of 
infidelity, the poverty of its soul, when such an assiduous 
cultivator as my opponent had raised so poor a crop after 
the toils of so many moons. We contrasted the bearings, 
the prospects, and the ultimate termination of the two 
hopes — that of immortality, and that of eternal sleep; 
the present pleasures of religion and the pains of skepti- 
cism ; and after a word of friendly exhortation to my an- 
tagonists, I bade them adieu. 

**Thus, after enjoying, with many others, the very kind 
hospitalities of our benevolent brother Hawley and his 
amiable family for several days, and various demonstrations 
of respect and good will from all parties, we retired in the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 419 

evening of that day to our good but afflicted brother 
Wightman's, in the country ; and, after spending a pleas- 
ant evening with himself and family, on the next morning 
we embarked on Lake Erie for the State of New York. 

**We had the pleasure,'* Mr. Campbell adds, *'in the 
midst of our discussions, to be called to the river to hear 
the confession of six converts who were immersed into 
Christ by our brother Adamson Bentley.** 

This, it is presumed, is the first instance of bap- 
tism by our brethren in the city of Cleveland. The 
occasion is memorable. The administrator was as 
venerable as a patriarch ; and the converts were tro- 
phies of a signal victory achieved over the allied 
forces of infidelity in the city. 

The gentlemen who presided, at different times 
over this discussion, were Elder Bentley, Thomas 
Hawley, and Tolbert Fanning, of Nashville, Tenn., 
one of Mr. Campbell's companions in travel. 

It is eminently worthy of special attention, that all 
the participants in that scene are now dwellers among 
the countless tenants of the grave. Campbell, Bent- 
ley, Fanning, Hawley, Wightman ; M. S. Clapp also, 
and William Hayden. Bro. Clapp made two speeches 
in the discussion, in consequence of Mr. Campbell's 
hoarseness. All these have wheeled into the ranks 
of that long procession of immortal spirits who are 
awaiting their crowns. Dr. Underbill sleeps. And 
now, within a few days, Irad Kelley, Esq., the lone 
survivor of that group of historic names, is brought 
from the seaboard where he died, to rest among his 
kindred dead. 

From that day the cause of infidelity withered. It 
was the blasting of the fruitless fig-tree. Long after- 



420 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ward in a public assembly of the citizens, Rev. Mr. 
Aiken declared that to Mr. Campbell was to be credi- 
ted the downfall of infidelity in the city of Cleveland. 
In this opinion he only expressed the concurring 
judgment of other intelligent citizens, some of whom, 
legal gentlemen of reputation, have so said to me. 

The cherished purpose of planting the ancient 
gospel in Cleveland seemed to be delayed by the death 
of Col. Wightman. This warm-hearted Christian 
was no less active than influential. On January 12, 
1837, he fell asleep in good hope, after a long and 
painful illness. The removal of Bro. Hawley and 
family to Detroit, about this time, was also a blow 
to hope. It was not long, however, before a door of 
faith was opened, and in the following manner: 

Capt. J. G. Nickerson and his brother, having 
moved to Cleveland, they importuned Henry to come 
and preach in the city. This panoplied chieftain 
opened the siege Friday, the nth of February, 1842. 
In three days the meeting was all ablaze. Great 
numbers were not able to gain admittance. The 
overpowering mastery of that matchless man held 
his audiences for an hour and a half to two hours as 
under a charm. Gentlemen, and sometimes ladies, 
stood during the sermon unconscious of the time. 
During the ten days of his meeting there were twenty- 
six conversions. Three others united, and on Lord's 
day, the 20th of February, 1842, the church was con- 
stituted and left under the general oversight of Dr. 
J. P. Robison and A. S. Hayden. D. P. Nickerson 
and Geo. B. Tibbitts were the elders. The next 
Lord's day, Robison preached and baptized six more. 
Bro. Jones, whose prowess scents the battle from afar, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 421 

was quickly on the ground, and made many acces- 
sions to the infant church. Soon after, the amiable 
and gifted Collins, with Robison, held a meeting 
which resulted in thirty conversions. 

On the loth of December, 1843, ^^^ church re- 
moved to Apollo Hall, east side of the river. In 
this and in Empire Hall it met about two years — Dr. 
Robison and A. S. Hayden alternating in preaching ; 
then, in 1846, the congregation re-established itself 
in Ohio City. Soon after this, Bro. L. Cooley, who 
had been an early member here, became their preacher. 
He was succeeded, in 1852, by Bro. Green, following 
whom, Bro. Cooley was again employed. In i860, 
Bro. C. C. Foot became the pastor ; then brethren 
B. A. Hinsdale, James Canon, and S. E. Shephard 
served the church successively ; the present incum- 
bent is Bro. A. Wilcox. 

The Church in East Cleveland Planted. 

This church originated as a branch of the church 
in Euclid. A number of the members residing at 
this place, known as Doane^s Corners, prepared the 
way for a meeting the 4th of July, 1843. It was 
held under a tent, and was attended by brethren 
Hartzel, Clapp, Collins, Robison, Benjamin and A. S. 
Hayden. All assisted, but the chief preaching was 
by Hartzel. There were over thirty additions ; 
among them was Dr. N. H. Finney, who afterward 
attained considerable eminence as a preacher, and who 
died in the faith a few years after. Thus encouraged 
and increased, the brethren at, the " Corners " pre- 
sented a petition to the church of Euclid, dated Au- 
gust 7, 1843, signed by seventeen names, asking to 



422 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

be set off to form a separate church. The request 
being granted, the members met September 4th, at 
the dwelling of Col. Gardner, nominated their offi- 
cers, and soon after entered on the exercise of their 
duties as a church of Jesus Christ. 

Their first officers were W. P. Hudson and Theo- 
dore Stafford. This band of disciples held their po- 
sition with great perseverance, having to contend 
much of the time with sharp opposition. Besides 
the help which they received from the parent church, 
Bro. M. S. Clapp was procured for regular visits. 
Few churches had pastors, or elders, those days, 
who gave themselves wholly to the care of them. 
They had " meetings " by Bros. Green, Robison, J. H. 
Jones, and others. William Hayden was a chief de- 
pendence, both for preaching and counsel. Among 
the last discourses he delivered was to this church, 
which he loved, and the importance of whose posi- 
tion he fully appreciated, in view of the prospective 
increase of the city of Cleveland, After meeting for 
a time in the old stone school-house, the church 
erected a plain, commodious edifice, which continued 
to serve them till the erection of their present large 
and attractive house of worship. In this excellent 
building, which is a rich credit to the architect, as 
well as to the liberality and enlightened impulses of 
the brotherhood, and a monument to the generosity 
of Dr. W. S. Streator, the church entered on a new 
and wider career of usefulness. Bro. J. H. Jones 
was called to the charge of the church. After him 
Bro. C. C. Foot was their help. Bro. J. B. Johnston, 
from Illinois, was their minister for a year, greatly 
beloved. His declining health compelled his resigna- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 423 

tion. The church has enjoyed the labors also of 
Isaac Errett and of Dr. L. L. Pinkerton. It is 
now widening its influence and enlarging its activi- 
ties under the oastoral charge of Bro. Jabez Hall. 



424 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER XXI. 

The Church in Royalton planted — William Moody and the Church 
in LaFayette — The Cause in Brunswick — J. W. Lanphear — 
The Gospel brought into Granger and Ghent. — M. L. Wilcox. 

WHEREVER the gospel was proclaimed it 
found men tired of sects, and possessed of 
qualities of character which would stamp them as 
extraordinary men in any enterprise. Noted among 
such men, was John Baker Stewart, of Royalton. 
He was born in Bristol, Vermont, May 10, 1791. He 
emigrated to Cayuga County, New York, where he 
united with the Baptists. He returned to the place 
of his nativity, and in 18 17, he started with an ox- 
team for the Connecticut Western Reserve. Forty- 
two days steady traveling brought him to Royalton. 
The primitive forest reigned undisturbed. Not a 
road was laid out in the township. He selected his 
land on which he has resided ever since. Of educa- 
tion and solid sense above mediocrity he has held a 
prominent position in the county. 

Henry Hudson, a Baptist preacher and a physi- 
cian, estabUshed a church in Royalton. In 1828, 
through internal broils, it ceased to meet. Before 
they dissolved, Stewart, for himself and wife, obtained 
letters of honorable dismission. About this time 
Edward Scofield came in from Bazetta. He was 
abreast with the reformatory movement in Trumbull 
County, and though scarcely equal to Stewart in the 
stern qualities of leadership, he was a man of culture 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 425 

and independence. From Connecticut, where he was 
born in 1779, he came to the territory of Ohio in 
1797. He assisted in surveying the lot Hues in 
many of the townships. He was the first settler in 
Bazetta, the nearest neighbor being five miles dis- 
tant. He built the first mills in that region. Every 
body was hospitable then — Scofield notably so. In 
1 817 he was elected to the State Legislature, which 
position he filled with honor. He took membership 
with the Baptists in Warren, and soon rose to use- 
fulness. He preached the gospel for many years, 
and was one of the " charter members " of the church 
of Bazetta. 

In 1822, Ezra Leonard came into Royalton. He 
and Stewart, and Almon Eastman, were accustomed 
to meet and compare the doctrines of their creed 
with the teaching of the Scriptures. Light began 
to shine. When the ** Christian Baptist '' started, 
David Hays, of Canfield, who was father-in-law to 
both Stewart and Leonard, became a subscriber. 
His daughter, Mrs. Ruth Leonard, a woman of very 
remarkable knowledge of the Scriptures, obtained 
that work, and put it into the hands of Stewart. 
The first piece he read in it was Mr. Campbell's es- 
say on the call to the ministry. Taught from child- 
hood in the belief that preachers are immediately 
and divinely called as Moses was, this sharp and sift- 
ing analysis of the subject, though entirely success- 
ful in correcting his early teaching in regard to it, 
was very distasteful, as it produced the humiliating 
conviction that he had imbibed pernicious error. 
After a few days, he said : ** Well, * honesty is the 
best policy.' I will be honest, and let the truth have 

36 



426 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

its full effect on my heart/* This was his emancipa- 
tion, and it opened to him a new era and a new ca- 
reer. 

So stood matters till late in the fall of 1829, at 
which time Leonard, being in Canfield, invited Wil- 
liam Hayden to Royalton. What were fifty miles, 
or the sleety storms of coming winter, to him ? 
*'I'\\ go,** and Leonard gave notice in Richfield, at 
Bangs' Corners, that a preacher from Trumbull 
County would come and preach the everlastmg gos- 
pel, Hayden*s limping, white-faced horse, sharing 
the high enthusiasm of his martial rider, brought the 
bearer of glad tidings in prompt time. Curiosity to 
hear the advocate of a new religion, as the everlast- 
ing gospel without shadings and trimmings was 
supposed to be, filled the school-house. The candles 
were without candlesticks. Setting them here and 
there into pools of melted tallow, the meeting was 
opened. The preaching created great excitement. 
The place was full of skeptics. One night, when 
the sermon was ended, a man cried out : ** Mr. Hay- 
den, how long do you think a man will have to stay 
in hell .^** Answered as quick as asked — ''I don't 
know ; I do n*t expect to go there to see ! ** For 
awhile the cause trembled in the balances. Secta- 
rian prejudice joining with infidel opposition, the 
school-house was locked. Not knowing it, he and 
the audience convened, and finding the house closed, 
a gentleman ofiered the use of his new blacksmith 
shop. Preacher and people went to work, it was 
seated, and the crowd filling it, he struck his best 
key, and for two hours the dark and withering sys- 
tems of infidelity passed under rigid review in con- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 427 

trast with the true rights of man, the high civiliza- 
tion and exalted happiness which would follow the 
adoption of the Christian religion. From this, he 
turned toward the more willing inhabitants of Roy- 
alton. Supported by such men as Stewart, Scovill, 
and Leonard, the gospel was firmly planted, though 
fierce opposition attended every step of its progress. 
Dr. Hudson left no artifice unemployed. But the 
truth is mighty, and it won at every encounter. 
Converts came, and professors of various name saw 
the gospel ground of union and co-operation, that, 
in coming to Christ, they came to one another. 
Among others the manly Dougald McDougall and 
family, who had been with the " Bible Christians," 
the excellent and energetic Jewett N. Frost also, 
who, though they have gone to their "long sought 
rest/' left witness behind them in their zealous labors 
for the gospel. 

Others came in to help on the good begun work. 
Bro. Green and Bro. Moody rendered efficient and 
timely aid. The church was constituted in the fall 
of 1829. The record contains the following names 
as the beginning of the church : 

Edward Scofield, Mary Scofield, Rufus Scofield, 
Roxana Scofield, John B. Stewart, Huldah Stewart, 
Jewett N. Frost, Dougald McDougall, Lucia Mc- 
Dougall, Adin Pike and wife, Wm. Hatch, Lydia 
Hatch, David Wallace, Adaline Wallace, Almon 
Eastman, Spencer W. Paine, Miranda Paine, White 
Paine and wife, Ebenezer Robinson, Oliver N. Paine, 
Renetta Paine, Henry L. Bangs, Almira Bangs, 
Elisha N. Bangs, Abigail Bangs, Chauncey A. Stew- 
art, Jerry Meach, Lucinda Meach, Sylvia M. O'Brian, 



428 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Marcia Whitney, Samuel Verney, Damaris Verney, 
Hannah Verney, Catharine Fuller, Decius Barnes. 

Edward Scofield, J. B. Stewart, and J. N. Frost, 
were the bishops ; Adin Pike and Dougald McDou- 
gall, deacons. Bro. Stewart, whose memory retains 
its wonderfully retentive power at eighty-three, writes : 

'* From this time forward Bro. William Hayden looked 
after, and took very great interest in the welfare of the 
church. And when we take into account the small amount 
of compensation he received for his many trips, over bad 
roads and through storms, the church hold him in grate- 
ful remembrance to this day. Most of the preaching was 
done by him, by Bro. Scofield, Bro. Green, and Bro. 
Moody. All these brethren are held in high esteem by 
the older brethren. 

''In the year 1835, Bro. Scofield removed to Indiana. 
Falling sick, he was brought back all the way on a bed. 
He lived about two weeks after his return, when he went 
joyfully to meet his Lord.*' 

The subject of unconditional personal election, 
the staple of many sermons in those days, was al- 
ways a hard doctrine, and difficult to the studious 
mind of Stewart. He was relieved in the following 
manner : Hayden, in one of his sermons, declared : 
" Put election on character, not on person, and the 
subject is clear. God has always respected charac- 
ter. He has always blessed those who obey him, 
and punished the disobedient ; this is the true elec- 
tion. It rests on character, not on person." This 
threw a flood of light into his mind, and he walked 
out of the entanglements of a subject which has be- 
wildered thousands. 

Conversing with a lady on the claims of the gos- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 429 

pel, she said with deep emotion, " Oh, I would give 
all the world if my heart were changed so I could 
believe on Jesus." " What would you give/' said 
Hayden, " to believe on Mohammed ? " ** Oh, noth- 
ing at all," she said. ** Why ? " '* Because I believe 
him to be an impostor." '^ But why do you wish to 
believe on Jesus > " " Because I believe him to be 
the Son of God." " Then you do believe on him, do 
you not ? " " Oh, yes, with all my heart ! " " Then," 
continued the preacher, " if your heart were changed, 
you would disbelieve him, and be an infidel." She 
saw her mistake : with a heart already penitent and 
in love with Christ, she was vainly waiting for some 
miraculous change. She arose, and was baptized, 
and went on her way rejoicing. 

That remarkable man waged a heroic battle for 
Jesus Christ. Stewart testifies, "A great war spirit 
was aroused by his preaching." He laid claim to 
the people as belonging to Jesus Christ, whom Satan 
has ruined in sin, stupefied in ignorance, and for 
whom the salves of sectarianism bring no healing. 
He "gave no quarter to sin, ignorance, nor the 
devil." In Richfield he preached in a ball-room. At 
one time he delivered a discourse sitting on horse- 
back. A correspondent writes the first time she 
heard him was in a saw-mill. Like Paul, whom 
above all men he admired, and whom he somewhat 
resembled, he would go to the market, the theater, 
or the forum, if an audience could there be found to 
whom he might declare the great salvation. 

While the public mind, like the sea, was greatly 
agitated, a great impetus was imparted to the cause 
by the yearly meeting held near Bangs' Corners, 



430 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

September, 1834. It was a large, orderly meeting, 
and made a favorable and enduring impression. It 
carried the force of a great public demonstration. 
In attendance were J. Hartzel, W. Hayden, E. B. 
Hubbard, A. Allerton, W. F. Pool, A. B. Green, 
Wm. Moody, and A. S. Hayden. Many converts 
crowned the meeting with success. Great harmony 
prevailed, and through acquaintance the hearts of 
the brotherhood were knit together. This is verita- 
ble Christian unity, which was uniting in the same 
kindred tie the brotherhood now widening and ex- 
tending in all directions. 

The church of Christ in Royalton still flourishes, 
and is fulfilling its mission. McDougall became an 
elder, and died in the faith, honored of all. After a 
little, Bro. Wm. Tousley came in, was chosen an 
overseer, and for many years was a pillar. The 
ministry, who, from time to time have labored among 
them, have been zealous and faithful. Besides those 
already named, they have had Scott, Campbell, Bur- 
nett, Shephard, Buckbee, Robison, Jones, Cooley, 
Moffett, Hinsdale, and others on incidental occa- 
sions. They now have Bro. H. N. Allen for their 
minister. 

William Moody, born in New Hampshire, August 29, 
1 810, was descended from English and Scotch ancestors. 
His twenty-third year found him in Ohio. After spend- 
ing some time in Wadsworth, he settled in Chatham, Me- 
dina County. 

At the age of nineteen he became a Baptist, in Frank- 
lin County, New York. Persuaded that he had a *' call ^' 
to the ministry, he began preaching. But his call, as he 
felt and related it, was, that he loved God and loved men, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 43 1 

and rejoicing in '* the liberty wherewith Christ had made 
him free/* he felt a strong impulse to speak of his saving 
goodness to others. After coming to Wadsworth, he 
heard Bro. Green on the subject of faith, in which the 
preacher asserted that ^' faith comes by hearing/' (Rom. 
x: 17,) that it is the result of evidence intelligently appre- 
hended by the mind. Moody determined to attack him 
and expose this false and pernicious position. It denied 
his notion of the infusion of faith, as a spiritual grace, by 
a direct act of the Holy Ghost. He thought to panoply 
himself for the onset by a fresh study and array of his 
proofs ; but he found his strength was weakness. After 
that sermon his proof-texts did not read to him as before. 
He was disarmed. The encounter never took place. 

Having engaged in service with Bro. Newcomb, the 
youngest daughter of the venerable elder took up the argu- 
ment two hours an evening for five nights, chiefly on the 
work of the Holy Spirit and the design of baptism. He 
contended earnestly for the tradition of the fathers ; but the 
young and heroic daughter of the covenant was too shrewd 
for him, well taught as he confessedly was in the general lan- 
guage of Scripture. He fell in the debate, and yielding up 
the ghost of tradition, he found new life and new joy in 
the clearer and more scriptural knowledge of the gospel. 

From that hour his voice was raised more earnestly in 
the advocacy of the truth. Though working still as need 
required, he gave much time to the proclamation of the 
Word. In the fall of 1837, he stuck the pioneer stake in 
the town of LaFayette, Medina County. For two nights 
the people listened attentively, but would not sing. The 
third night, on approaching the meeting, his heart was 
gladdened by the sound of songs of praise. ''Thank 
God," he exclaimed, ''the waters are moving!*' He 
continued three months, visiting, reading the Scriptures — 
privately and publicly — preaching the gospel, and exhort- 
ing the people. He brought into the covenant forty-nine 



432 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

by baptism, recovered others, and founded a church of 
sixty persons. He instituted meetings for the new con- 
verts, in one of which, forty at a single meeting took a 
part in prayer and exhortation. Discovering that much 
feeling pervaded the assembly, he offered an opportunity 
for confessing the Lord. Seven arose, one after another, 
confessed their sins, and declared their desire for obedi- 
ence to the merciful Saviour. They were baptized the next 
morning. This church has stood firm ever since. Bro. 
Earl Moulton has long stood as a leader and support to 
them. Bro. Moody has preached a fourth of his time 
there for thirty-five years, while his labors in surrounding 
regions has contributed much to sustain the churches in 
Sullivan, Wadsworth, Brunswick, Weymouth, Granger, 
Royalton, Birmingham, and many other places. 

The Church in Pompey Street, Brunswick. 

Early in the year 1835, five families came to 
Brunswick from Pompey, Onondaga County, New 
York. Settling together, their street was called 
"Pompey Street.'* They were, John Harris, Darius 

Wilson, Warren Wilson, Chase, Garrett, 

all, with their wives, members of the church in Pom- 
pey. Moss and Hayden soon found them. Great 
was the joy of these disciples to see again those zeal- 
ous men who had imparted to them so much light in 
the east. These two brethren — Bro. Green also, and, 
after a little, Bro. Wilcox — built them up and increased 
their numbers. Dr. John Clarke, a gentleman of 
weight and respectability, a member of the Presby- 
terian church, and a practicing physician, gave a 
candid hearing, and obeyed the gospel. 

A reorganization of the congregation was made in 
December, 1839. Dr. John Clarke, Samuel Clarke, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 433 

and Darius Wilson were elected overseers, and Dan 
A. Moulton and Geo. W. Comstock, deacons. 

In this church a Barnabas arose, who in many an 
Antioch has taught many. This was 

J. W. Lanphear. 

He was born in the State of New York, in 181 4. Com- 
ing to Medina County in 1834, he soon came in contact 
with the disciples. William Hayden's original manner 
and point in argument won the attention and enlightened 
the judgment of young Lanphear. He was, while in New 
York, converted among the Methodists, his father being 
of that order, and a preacher of considerable abilities. 
The Campbell and Owen Debate fell into his hands. He 
read it, absorbed it, '^ devoured it.^* By it he was thor- 
oughly aroused. He next obtained and studied the new 
translation of the New Testament, then lately published 
by Mr. Campbell. The Christian religion became intelli- 
gible to him, and was invested in his mind with an inde- 
scribable interest. He grasped it, and it won every fac- 
ulty of his soul. He embraced it, being baptized by 
William Hayden in the yearly meeting at ** Bangs* Cor- 
ners,'* in September, 1834. 

When the Pompey brethren came and established their 
meetings in Brunswick, Bro. Lanphear associated with 
them. He began to exhort ; and being possessed of good 
natural endowments, ardent in his nature, and very stu- 
dious, he was soon encouraged to assume the more respon- 
sible position of a teacher. About fifteen months after 
his conversion he started forth, with the sanction of the 
church, as a preacher of the gospel. He attended the 
first ''school of the preachers,'* in New Lisbon, in De- 
cember, 1835, and proceeded to Pennsylvania, where he 
spent the winter. He went into Maryland in the spring, 
where falling in with Bro. James Darsie, the young preach- 
37 



434 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ers were a great help to each other. The church of Som- 
erset, Pa., which contained many able and influential 
members, took him under her care and pupilage for a 
time, receiving blessings from his labors, and imparting 
of her benefits in return. He assiduously improved every 
opportunity to fit himself for his chosen calling. His 
acute penetration of mind, delicate fancy, well stored un- 
derstanding and agreeableness of manners, won him a 
welcome every-where. His path to public favor and use- 
fulness was now open, and the history of the cause of ref- 
ormation in western Pennsylvania, and north-eastern 
Ohio, and in other States, has, for thirty-five years, been 
closely intertwined with that of this useful preacher of 
righteousness. 

The church in Brunswick passed through the va- 
riable vicissitudes which mark the history of most 
communities, till, by the removals and death of its 
members, it became nearly extinct. The cause has 
been revived, and a new church formed at Hamil- 
ton's Corners, in the south part of the township. 

The Gospel brought into Weymouth, Granger, 
AND Ghent. 

In one of his excursions into Medina County, in 
the year 1830, Hayden delivered several discourses 
in Weymouth, where a hospitable family by the name 
of Stiles received him, and heard him gladly. Geo. 
W. Comstock, also a citizen of influence, became a 
convert. Harris Reed, from Granger, a candid and 
intelligent gentleman, was so delighted with these 
intelligible and consistent views of the gospel, he re- 
solved his fellow-townsmen should have the opportu- 
nity of hearing. He was a Methodist, and had not 
a doubt the Methodist church would be freely 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 435 

opened. The adventurous pioneer, never waiting 
for more than half an invitation, promptly consented 
to go. 

The Methodist church was refused, and Reed 
was sharply censured for bringing in a man to preach 
the doctrine of devils. Mr. Reed cowered not, nor 
sheltered himself from the gathering storm. He de- 
clared openly he had invited him, and that he would 
see him courteously treated. Prejudice sought to 
bar the school-house also, but the liberal minded 
ones prevailing, Hayden gave his first discourse in 
it amidst much excitement. He loved to walk on 
the edge of high waves. He saw in the keen atten- 
tion of the people the augury of good, and an- 
nounced another appointment. This was a signal 
for marshaling the troops for battle. He kept up 
his appointments, and the gospel won friends. The 
first of the conversions was Mrs. Ellery Lowe, who 
came forward, singing: 

*»This is the way I long have sought, 
And mourned because I found it not." 

Soon after, Mr. Reed declared for the ancient gos- 
pel, the original ground of union and salvation. He 
was followed by others, and in the spring of 1832, 
the church was constituted. 

It was composed of the following persons ; Harris 
Reed and Sally Reed, Rebecca Lowe, George 
McCloud and wife, Samuel Crosby, Morris Miller 

and Miller, Martin Miller and wife, and Conrad 

Turner and wife. Morris Miller was chosen elder, 
and Harris Reed and Samuel Crosby, deacons. 

This church was never very strong, and after a 
few years it became so weak that the members 



436 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ceased to hold meetings. About this time, Bro. Wil- 
cox preached with great success in Ghent, a village 
only a few miles distant, and founded a church there, 
in which the remaining members in Granger united. 

The Church in Ghent 

Was organized on the loth of April, 1843, with 
sixty-two members. Morris Miller, Thomas Pierson, 
and Alexander Martin were chosen elders; and 
Thomas Carnaby, Seymour Ganyard, and E. W. 
Heaton, deacons. Bro. Philander Green writes, 
(April 3, 1875,) "Only five of the original members 
remain in the church now.'^ 

This church has had the labors of Wilcox, who es- 
tablished it, Moss, Newcomb, Green, Cooley, John 
Encell, Southmayd, and Holland Brown ; but long- 
est and chiefly, of Bro. Philander Green. This 
brother began to preach there regularly in 1850, and 
for eighteen years he preached statedly at intervals 
of two or four weeks. In 1853 he moved his family 
there. Bro. F. M. Green, who has since become 
prominent in the work, especially in the cause of 
Sunday-schools, was then in his father's family. 

From the year 1853 to 1868, the period of Bro, 
Green's closest labors there, there were one hundred 
and seventy-five additions ; at which time the church, 
after all the drains upon it, numbered one hundred 
and fifty-two souls. The last seven years Bro. Green 
has labored in the church in Lordstown, Trumbull 
County. 

Marshall Loundsbury Wilcox was a man of high or- 
der and talent. Gifted with a happy combination of argu- 
ment and eloquence, a style well suited to the forum, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 437 

united with a pleasing manner, he was one of the most 
attractive and efficient of the public advocates of Chris- 
tianity. He was bold and positive, and loved to grapple 
with strong opposition, especially with the lurking and 
sinuous infidelity which, at the period of his ministry, 
had spread much over the Western Reserve. In contend- 
ing for the faith he rendered excellent service. He was 
equally vigilant in maintaining the purity of the gospel, 
as was shown in several discussions, in which he successfully 
defended the apostles* doctrine against learned and shrewd 
opposition. 

He was a native of the State of New York. He was aa 
exhorter among the Methodists when he first heard the 
Disciples, and with characteristic frankness he embraced 
it, and in the defense of it spent the best portion of his 
life. He preached extensively on the Western Reserve, 
and died in Centralia, Illinois. 

Early in his ministry he received a contusion in his 
head from the kick of a horse, from which he often suf- 
fered severely. It rendered him sometimes fitful and mel- 
ancholy. He was therefore not always reliable in dis- 
course. The tinge of sadness in his temperament won 
sympathy. Admired for his eloquence, and loved for his 
fidelity and friendship, he gained the esteem and confi- 
dence of the people wherever he went. 



43 8 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Churches founded in Chagrin Falls — In North Eaton — And in 
Youngstown. 



Chagrin Falls. 

IN the winter of 183 1-2, A. Bentley moved from 
Warren to the vicinity of the Falls. The pri- 
meval forest reigned on every side. He began to 
collect the people in the log school-house near by, 
and to teach them the gospel. It was not long be- 
fore thirty persons agreed to unite as a church of 
Jesus Christ. Bentley was the natural leader and 
overseer, and for one year no other was selected. 
Then Gamaliel Kent was appointed to assist. The 
first deacons were Zadoc Bowell and Ralph Russell, 
both of them disciples before coming to that com- 
munity. 

The church met in different places a few years, 
mostly in the Griffith school-house. One day a citizen 
of the Falls said to Elijah Hill, "Why do not some of 
your men come and preach here at the Falls .'^" Hill 
replied, " We have a man who will preach from your 
hay-scales, and pay you as much for the use of them 
as the weighing would come to while he occupies 
them." This brought Wm. Hayden with the gospel 
into Chagrin Falls. The news of the singular ap- 
pointment spread rapidly. There were no reserved 
seats in that place of assembling. The day came, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 439 

and with it the audience and the preacher. He went 
in as a standard-bearer; and it was not long before 
the meetings were located permanently at the Falls. 

It must not be supposed this occupancy was a 
peaceable possession. Asbury Seminary, in charge 
of the Methodist Conference, located there, was flour- 
ishing, with Prof. Williams at its head, and its 
spirit was bold and aggressive. No marvel that the 
leaders of that church looked with jealousy on this 
effort of the disciples to plant there the church of 
Christ, as an intrusion on their grounds. A corres-. 
pondence grew up between Dr. Halleck of the M. 
E. Church, and Elder Bentley, which passed over into 
the hands of J. Hartzel, of Warren, and resulted in 
a discussion between Elder J. J. Stedman and Rev. 
John Locock, of the Methodist church, and Jonas 
Hartzel and A. S. Hayden, on the part of the 
disciples. It began November 14, 1843, ^^ the 
following questions : 

"I. Do the Scriptures teach that to a believing 
penitent, baptism is a condition of the remission of 
sins ? 

" 2. Do the Scriptures teach that immersion is 
the mode of baptism ? 

" 3. Do the Scriptures teach that infants are sub- 
jects of baptism ?'' 

Revs. Stedman and Locock denied the first two, 
and affirmed the last. Hartzel and Hayden brought 
evidence in affirmation of the first two, and against 
the last. Three days and nights were spent on the 
first proposition ; two days and nights on the second. 
At this stage of the interview, Messrs. Stedman and 
Locock plead to be released from the discussion of 



440 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the remaining proposition ; but this not being ac- 
ceded to by the disciples, they consented to spend 
one day and night on it, which was done, and the 
debate closed. 

By this discussion all the religious elements of 
the town were stirred to their profoundest depths. 
The relative preponderance of the two people most 
directly concerned in it was soon greatly changed. 
Asbury Seminary was seized with the symptoms of 
decay ; ere long it was abandoned, and the ample 
edifice became the High School building of the town. 
Still it must be owned that many causes often con- 
cur to affect mutations, and to bring on the ruin of 
human enterprises. 

There was no lack of home effort by the whole 
church to hold every foot of ground which the cause 
of the union of Christians on Bible grounds was gain- 
ing. The system of evangelizing, which then pre- 
vailed — or rather the custom, for system there was 
none — brought occasional help from abroad. Bent- 
ley was still among and over them. Wm. Hayden 
frequently threw in appointments, though he was 
chiefly on the wing abroad. Considerable ability to 
teach and exhort by the Kents, Pulsifers, Hubbells, 
and Collins, sustained the interest of the meetings. 
The cause gained much credit and respect by a pre- 
pared course of lectures on the evidences of Chris- 
tianity, delivered in a large hall in 1849, ^7 Isaac 
Errett with his known abiHty. This course had be- 
come necessary to meet the sophistries of a subtle 
infidelity, which had grown defiant in the village. 
These lectures planted the defense of the Bible on 
principles which distinguish the Christianity of revel- 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 44 1 

ation from all traditions and appendages to it, and 
they were a direct auxiliary to the aim of the 
church — to restore Bible Christianity to the world. 

For several years skepticism brooded over this 
town, and blighted every thing. It became belicose, 
and the traveling emissaries of no faith, no soul, and 
no God, were encouraged there by the men who 
scoffed at the faith of Christ and the hopes of im- 
mortality. About this time Prof. J. A. Garfield, of 
the Eclectic Institute, was preaching in this church. 
Mr. Denton, from Boston, a man of marked ability 
and a practiced debater, was lecturing at Newton 
Falls, and was soon to march with threatening por- 
tent on Chagrin Falls. A discussion was agreed 
upon between him and Garfield. The power in de- 
bate, and the familiar knowledge of the whole field 
of religious learning involved in this discussion, dis- 
played by Garfield, was a surprise to every one ex- 
cept his most intimate friends. His complete mas- 
tery of his opponent was acknowledged ; and all the 
religious bodies of the town rejoiced in the victory. 
This was in December, 1858. 

Many times the great tent meetings of the county 
of Cuyahoga have been held with this church, both 
exhibiting and cultivating a hospitality worthy of 
great praise. By them the reformatory principles 
urged by the disciples won a favorable hearing by 
great multitudes. The first one was held there in 
September, 1847; again in 1856, attended by Mr. 
Campbell, J. O. Beardslee, and the preachers gener- 
ally. Again in 1 864, attended by Prof. Loos ; also in 
1870. 

The strength of this church, as every other, has 



442 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ever been the home staff. Her overseers were ap- 
pointed in the following order : Adamson Bentley, 
in 183 1 ; Gamaliel Kent, 1832 ; Fuller Pulsifer, 1842 ; 
Jedidiah Hubbell, 1845; William Hayden, 1848; 
King Collins, i860; J. G. Coleman, 1863 ; A. Burns, 
1869. The following brethren have served as dea- 
cons : Zadoc Bowell, Ralph Russell, Amos Boynton, 
Jedidiah Hubbell, Dr. W. S. Hamlin, Lewis Perkins, 
King Collins, L. B. McFarland, William Collins, 
Wallace Collins, Hiram Polly, George King, and 
Ransom Bliss. Sisters Jennie Burns, Louisa Tucker, 
and Calista McClintock, are deaconesses of the 
church. 

The following brethren have labored in the con- 
gregation either as pastors, or as stated supplies : 
Adamson Bentley, William Hayden, Dr. W. S. Ham- 
lin, W. T. Horner, J. A. Garfield, J. H. Rhodes, B. 

A. Hinsdale, Sterling McBride, R. G. White, W. S. 
Hayden, J. G. Coleman, and A. Burns. 

As transient preachers : A. B. Green, J. H. Jones, 

B. F. Perky, J. Hartzel, Benj. Franklin, F. M. 
Green, R. Moffett, and C. J. Bartholomew. 

Present number of members, one hundred and 
twenty-five ; the highest number at any one time. 
The whole number from 1831 to 1875, about four 
hundred and fifty. 

This church has a saintly record. Under the 
"green, turfy grave-yard," repose the remains of 
Bro. and Sister Bentley, of many gracious and godly 
memories ; of the untiring Wm. Hayden, and five 
of his children ; of both King and Wallace Collins, 
and, lately, of the manly Kent, and a large number 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 443 

resides, who have joined the worshiping host on 

high. 

Eaton. 

In North Eaton, as in Philippi, the cause sprang 
into existence through the piety of a devoted 
woman. This was Mrs. Chloe Tucker, who moved 
from Windham to Eaton in 1837. Visiting in Wind- 
ham in 1840, she strongly entreated Bro. M. J. 
Streator, a young preacher of that church, to come 
to Eaton and unfurl there the standard of the cross. 
He was soon in those new settlements. He writes : 

*'I went to North Eaton in October, 1840, and found 
the welcome I expected from Mr. Tucker and his family. 
Hot tears crowd to my eyes while I remember their 
earnest hospitality. And when I last was at their old 
home they had gone from * this low ground where sor- 
rows grow.* Meetings had been announced at the brick 
school-house. Many came from various motives; but 
few, I think, expected to hear or learn their duty. The 
meeting resulted in the conversion of two sons of Mrs. 
Tucker. Reuben F. Tucker was the iirst in Eaton to 
obey the gospel upon apostolic conditions. The pious 
mother's prayers were now partially answered; but the 
work did not end with these.'* 

In March of 1841, he was again on the ground. This 
effort was attended with farther success. The following 
incident which I give in the words of the persevering 
nreacher, will show the dainty fingered heroes of modern 
warfare the tack and toil of those hardy times: **A 
slough of eighty rods in width lay between the settlement 
in which the Tuckers resided and the place of meeting. 
The vigorous crossed this bed of mud in the dark and on 
foot as best they could. But Bro, R. F. Tucker, desiring 
that the rest should hear, placed them in a strong wagon. 



444 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

and with two yokes of oxen for a locomotive, plunged in, 
and finding stations once in every two rods, he brought 
them through ! I never saw a brighter example of the 
'pursuit of knowledge under difficulties! * '* 

Chester Cooley came into Eaton from Shalersville 
in 1837. H^is parents and some of the family fol- 
lowed. At Bro. Streator^s second visit, he made an 
appointment at the center of the town, then scarcely 
inhabited, and calling at Mrs. Cooky's, invited her 
son Lathrop, then a youth, to go with him to meet- 
ing. He did so, and yielding to the claims of the 
gospel, he was introduced by baptism into the king- 
dom. His subsequent career of public life is well 
known in north-eastern Ohio. Immediately on his 
conversion, his heart was opened to speak for the 
Master. He entered Bethany College, but baffled 
by the want of funds in his desires for a training in 
college, he fell back on his own resources. He 
erected for himself a neat cabin in the grove, where 
he instituted his own college — himself the pupil and 
the professor. "There," said his brother Chester, 
thirty years afterward, *' when I retired at night his 
light was still burning, and in the morning at first 
rising, his lamp was already lighted.*' By such dili- 
gence in study, his ** profiting'* became manifest. 
The church which heard him for his encouragement, 
soon heard him for their profit. After a time, Wil- 
liam Hayden discovering his gifts, took him in com- 
pany in his travels. He received great advantage 
from the counsel and experience of the older work- 
man. He has traveled extensively in preaching the 
glad tidings, and has been equally useful as pastor 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 445 

of the churches in North Royalton, Cleveland, 
Painesville, and Akron. 

Bro. Streator came again in October, 1842, and 
gathered the disciples, numbering twenty-five, into 
church relations. J. D. Swift was appointed the 
overseer, and J. A. Ferguson deacon. From that 
day the church has never ceased its meetings. The 
zeal of the new converts was tempered into pru- 
dence by some older members, among whom stands 
brother Ferguson, of age and experience in the gos- 
pel. The brethren there cherish the memory of the 
wise and faithful labors of Bro. M. J. Streator with 
warm gratitude. A brother writes : ** Bro. Streator 
continued his visits, laboring with a zeal and earnest- 
ness rarely equaled. This dear brother must ever 
live in sweet recollection in the memory of this 
band, the greater part of whom remain to this pres- 
ent time, but some are fallen asleep in Jesus.*' 

The truth rose here to victory and power amid an 
ocean of opposition. "Orthodoxy," enshrined in 
sacred temples, hurled its anathemas against it. But 
its assaults rebounded against itself with destructive 
recoil. At one time, immediately after a vigorous 
sermon, before a large audience attempting to refute 
the alleged heresy, a young man solicited baptism 
at the hands of Bro. Streator. Jordan flowing by, 
they repaired to its banks, and after some instruct- 
ive remarks, the holy institution was administered 
in the presence of all the people so becomingly and 
scripturally, that no other reply was needed to the 
abusive harangue they had just heard. The foe most 
difficult to dislodge was the ignorance of the peo- 
ple. As the preacher brought strange things to 



446 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

their ears, naturally enough they cried out : ** These 
people have a new Bible." *' Mr. Campbell has al- 
tered the Bible just to suit his views." Not a few 
gave credit to this slander. One man found indubi- 
table proof that the Bible used by the disciples dif- 
fered from his, for on examination he found a book 
in it called Philemon — no such book, he averred, 
being in his Bible. On one occasion an *' Elder " of 
the " Latter-day Saints " came, and in a long discourse 
presented the claims of Mormonism. Bro. Streator 
proposed a reply. The two "Elders" refused him 
the opportunity ; but the proprietor of the house 
consenting, and the people all wishing to hear the 
response, the youthful defender of the ancient gos- 
pel, in a rejoinder of half an hour, so effectually ex- 
posed the new delusion that nothing was left to 
take root and grow. 

The congregation received early and able assist- 
ance from brethren Green, Moss, and O'Connor. 
Dr. Butler, of Ridgeville, a physician of extensive 
practice, who had great weight with the people, met 
frequently with them. 

In the autumn of 1843, the location of the church 
was changed to the center. On this occasion Jared 
Patchen was chosen overseer, and Chester Cooley, 
deacon. 

Bro. J. D. Benedict wrought a good work in a 
few visits -he made there about the year 1845. In 
that year the church erected the house of worship. 
He attended the opening of it, and gave some able 
discourses. With the voice of a Stentor, and a re- 
markable talent in music, his singing and sermons 
swept like a torrent over the assembly. He was 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 44/ 

first a member of the Baptist church, and a lawyer 
of acknowledged ability. At this time he held the 
position of State's Attorney for Lorain County. 
With a frankness and independence of character, as 
rare as remarkable, he saw and accepted the princi- 
ples of reform ; and closing up his legal profession, 
like Paul, he gave up his life to the advocacy of the 
gospel. 

William Ha3''den was frequently with the brethren ; 
and William Moody is also well remembered "as 
handling the Universalists without mittens, and 
often charging into the battery of Thomas Paine." 
Successful meetings were conducted by T. J. New- 
comb, B. F. Perky, and the lamented Henry Dixon. 
Calvin Smith left there ineffaceable memories of the 
blessed results of his earnest and self-denying serv- 
ices. 

In 1844, Timothy S. Brewster, of experience in 
church affairs, came in from Rockport. He was ap- 
pointed an elder, and served with efficiency till his 
removal to Michigan, in 1849. About this time, the 
brethren received new strength by the addition to 
their number of Raymond Haven, Sheldon Streator, 
and some others from Shalersville. Indeed, the 
church in North Eaton grew up as a colony from 
the older one in Shalersville ; as she, in turn, became 
a mother of the young and vigorous church in Bloom- 
ingdale, Michigan. This congregation increased, 
till their first meeting-house became too small. A 
new edifice was demanded, which was completed and 
dedicated in the fall of 1862. Bro. J. H. Jones, 
chaplain in the 42d Regiment, Ohio Volunteers, 



448 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

under Col. Garfield, who was at home on furlough, 
conducted the dedicatory services. 

And what shall I say more.^ Time would fail to 
speak of Chas. McDougall, who, while a student in 
Oberlin, rendered them efficient aid ; of Henry Dixon, 
whose voice was as refreshing as rain on the mown 
grass ; of W. A. Belding, whose cheerful manner and 
zeal for his Master's cause, won many friends ; of 
John Reed also, lucid in statement of truth, and able 
in defending it ; of Dana Call, whose worth excels his 
renown, faithful in Bible study, and candid to a 
proverb. With Green, J. M. Atwater, the Encells, 
likewise, S. Fairbanks and others, whose names are 
dearly remembered. 

Three great meetings are marked in the more re- 
cent history of this congregation: One in i860, led 
by C. C. Foote ; one in 1861, by D. S. Burnett; the 
other in 1862, conducted by H. W. Everest. 

To the home membership is largely due the credit 
of the success of the effort to plant and sustain the 
church in North Eaton. Where there is no faithful, 
well drilled soldiery to march up to the breastworks 
to **man the ordnance 'V and stand the shock of bat- 
tle, protracted meetings, however useful as helps, 
will be only skirmishes. Nothing gives permanency 
like the consolidated, constant labors of a harmo- 
nious brotherhood in Christ. 

YOUNGSTOWN. 

This church was born in the agonies of fierce con- 
tention. In no place does the history of the plant- 
ing of the church on its New Testament basis dis- 
play a greater virulence of opposition. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 449 

In March, 1841, a discussion was held between J. 
Hartzel and Rev. Waldo, a Congregationalist, which 
made a profound impression. Conversions followed, 
and a number of Mr. Waldo's friends were baptized 
into the Lord Jesus. Along with this result, it stim- 
ulated a malignant opposition to the principles of 
the reformation. The watchmen on the walls of 
their local Zions were alarmed. The Rev. Dr. Board- 
man, pastor of the Presbyterian church, sounded the 
war-trumpet, and rushed full armed into the arena. 
Elder J. J. Stedman, of the M. E. Church, panting 
for more laurels than he had won on the martial 
fields of Newton Falls, Bedford, and Chagrin Falls, 
encountered Hartzel here in a discussion of two and 
a half days, on the question ; ^' Is baptism in any case 
necessary to the forgiveness of sins V All the stars 
of that firmament in their courses fought against the 
cause represented by the faithful few who were 
striving for nothing but the Christianity of the New 
Testament. The members banded together. The 
church formed. Brethren Henry and Lanphear sec- 
onded these efforts of Hartzel. Conversions followed, 
and the cause began to rise. 

In August of this year, 1842, Mr. Campbell came 
to the Western Reserve. Touching at Fairfield, 
where he addressed immense congregations, he 
passed on to Warren, and addressed the public on 
Christian union, and on education, after which he 
proceeded to Youngstown. 

He found the people in high excitement by these 

recent grossly false statements of the views of the 

Disciples. In company with two of the brethren, 

Mr. Campbell called on Rev. Mr. Boardman, and 

38 



450 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

asked him to do in his presence what he had at- 
tempted when he had no respondent. Mr. Board- 
man's courage failed him, and he refused. He would 
not permit Mr. Campbell to examine his manuscript, 
that he might reply fairly to his erroneous charges, 
nor to use his church, nor would he attend and hear 
him on the same subjects. Mr. Campbell then, in 
the house used by the brethren, in the presence of a 
very large audience, after briefly rehearsing his in- 
terview with Mr. Boardman, gave so able and can- 
did a statement of his true position as to gain the 
feelings of a large portion of the uncommitted citi- 
zens in their favor. 

From that day to the present, the light has never 
gone out of the church in Youngstown. Bro. J. W. 
Lanphear was first secured as its pastor. In March, 
1843, he resigned, and returned to New Lisbon. 

The yearly meeting for Trumbull County was held 
this year in Youngstown. Great expectations, but 
with very different states of feeling, were entertained 
in respect to the coming convocation, by the mem- 
bers of the church on the one hand, and by the op- 
posers on the other. Preparations were ample, yet 
no one looked for such an avalanche of the brother- 
hood as assembled on that occasion. Bro. John 
Henry was the president of the meeting. His 
energy and decision came into full play in the man- 
agement of so great a multitude. In assigning homes 
to the people he told them to knock at a brother's 
house, and they would see what sort of people they 
are within. " Mr. Hornet," said he, " is a very clever 
gentleman abroad ; but just knock at his door and 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 45 1 

you '11 soon see what a reception you will meet ! ** Mr. 
Campbell says of this meeting: 

Annual Meetings in Ohio, 1843. 

The meeting in New Lisbon, Columbiana County, was 
well attended. I had not the pleasure of being present. 
Thirty-eight were added by baptism. 

The annual meeting of the brethren in Trumbull 
County, at Youngstown, was the largest assemblage of 
persons ever witnessed by any of the ministering brethren 
present. I have seen very large religious assemblies in 
Virginia and Kentucky, but none equal to this one. It 
was variously estimated from six to ten thousand persons. 
Had it been a political meeting, the general opinion was 
that it would have been put down at ten thousand. Know- 
ing how wont men are to exaggerate in numbers on such 
occasions, I choose rather to regard the minimum of six 
or seven thousand persons as more nearly approaching the 
actual number in attendance. The number of disciples 
present probably amounted to some two thousand. 

The immense audience assembled in one of the most 
beautiful and commodious groves in the immediate envi- 
rons of the village of Youngstown, which was courteously 
tendered to the brethren by the proprietor, Mr. Wick. A 
tent provided by the brethren, covered only some two 
thousand persons. The remainder, covered by the um- 
brageous boughs of a dense grove, enjoyed equal comforts 
with those under the tent. 

During the whole meeting of three days not a single 
accident or unpleasant incident occurred. The most per- 
fect attention and good order seemed universally to ob- 
tain. During these three days some fifty made the good 
confession, and were baptized. Many ministering breth- 
ren, probably some thirty or more, were present, and the 
meeting was truly refreshing and peculiarly pleasant to all. 

A. Campbell. 



452 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

On Saturday, before the full assembly, Dr. Eleazer 
Parmly, of New York, read the following correspond- 
ence between himself and Prof. Charles Anthon, of 
Columbia College, N. Y. Prof. Anthon, as a classic 
authority, has no superior in America. Dr. Parmly 
then gave the letters to Mr. Campbell in presence 
of the audience : 

'^ No. I Bond Street, N. Y., March 23, 1843. 
**Prof. Charles Anthon: 

"In conversation with Dr. Spring, last evening, he stated 
that, in the original the word baptism, which we find in 
the New Testament, has no definite or distinct meaning; 
that it means to immerse, sprinkle, pour, and has a va- 
riety of other meanings — as much the one as the other, 
and that every scholar knows it ; that it was the only word 
that could have been selected by our Savior, having such 
a variety as to suit every one's views and purposes. May 
I ask you if your knowledge of the language from which 
the word was taken has led you to the same conclusion ? 
and may I beg of you to let the deep interest I take in 
the subject plead my apology. 

**I have the honor to be, with great respect, most re- 
spectfully yoius, E. Parmly.** 

*' Columbia College, March 27, 1843. 
'^Dr. Parmly: 

^^ My Dear Sir — There is no authority whatever for the 
singular remark made by the Rev. Dr. Spring relative to 
the force of bapiizo. The primary meaning of the word 
is to dip or immerse, and its secondary meanings, if ever 
it had any, all refer, in some way or other, to the same 
leading idea. Sprinkling, etc., are entirely out of the 
question. I have delayed answering your letter, in the 
hope that you would call and favor me with a visit, when 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 453 

we might talk the matter over at our leisure. I presume, 
however, that what I have written will answer your pur- 
pose. Yours truly, 

''Charles Anthon." 

From Campbell a7id Rices Debate, pp, 171, 172. 

The intrinsic weight of authority of this testi- 
mony, enforced alike by the noble bearing and ear- 
nest manner of Dr. Parmly, gave it great effect with 
the audience. And in the hands of Mr. Campbell, in 
the Lexington debate, which followed in about two 
months, it was a bolt which evidently staggered the 
mailed Mr. Rice. 

This church has many years maintained the "unity 
of the spirit in the bonds of peace." W. S. Gray, 
W. S. Hayden, while teaching, have also preached 
for the congregation. James Calvin has rendered a 
very efficient aid, and Dr. Whitsler also, in keeping 
up the meetings. In the beginning of the congre- 
gation, Bro. John Kirk, by his talent for manage- 
ment, dash, and zeal, contributed very much to the 
success of the gospel in the hands of Henry, Hart- 
zel, Jones, and Samuel Church. 

Under the acceptable pastorate of Bro. C. C. 
Smith, the church is rising to greater strength. 
They have recently completed a costly and elegant 
meeting-house, and are in a position to command 
public respect. 



454 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 



CHAPTER XXIII, 

Lessons of our Forty Years' Experience. 

I. A LL the experience of the past forty years con- 

-^^"^ firms the soundness and strength of our posi- 
tion before the world. This position is embraced in 
three propositions : 

1st, The Bible contains God^s only and complete 
revelation to man. 

2d, It is to be interpreted by the ordinary, estab- 
lished rules. 

3d, It is to be interpreted by every man for him- 
self 

On these three propositions is founded a broad 
corollary, viz : The Bible, thus interpreted, will in- 
evitably lead Christendom out of its leopard-like sec- 
tarianisms back to the original, divine unity, and re- 
store to the church her lost power for the conversion 
of the world. 

On this bottom we put to sea. Not a leak has yet 
been found. The vessel has proved herself seaworthy. 
Her hull IS as sound as when she was launched. Not a 
plank has stirred. She has weathered many storms 
and rode out many tempests. She has been attacked 
by the war-crafts of nearly all nations, and is proved 
to be invincible. 

Every re-examination of the ground of our faith 
has only confirmed it. Why should it not } Jesus 
Christ, our crucified and risen Lord, the reigning 
Sovereign and Monarch of the whole universe, is the 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 455 

only object personal of our faith, our love, and our 
obedience; and the whole Bible is the "testimony 
of Jesus/' This is our plea, and it is invulnerable. 
It never can be overthrown. " The gates of hades 
shall not prevail against it.'* It can not be im- 
proved. We are not advocates of a reformed relig- 
ion, but of religion itself. Christ's religion can not 
be reformed. He is himself the author and the 
finisher of his most holy religion ; and, like himself, 
it is perfect. This to proclaim, this to defend, on 
this divine basis to re-assemble, and re-incorporate 
the divided battalions of the Captain of salvation ; 
this is our purpose, our work, and our plea before the 
men of this generation. 

II. Our forty years' experiences teaches the ne- 
cessity of a due adjustment of the evangelical and 
pastoral work. 

Under Walter Scott a new order arose. It was 
given to him to blow the trumpet of the gospel. His 
work was purely an evangelism. The matters of the 
Christian religion are classified under two funda- 
mental departments — the evangelical and the ecclesi- 
astical ; or, the gospel and the church. The gospel 
is prior to the church. The evangelist forms and 
establishes the church. This work accomplished, 
there begins another class of agencies specifically 
described in the New Testament : This is the elder- 
ship, or pastorate of the church. 

In the beginning, the recovery of the ancient gos- 
pel, as a lost jewel, so startled and excited all hearts, 
and the success attending the preaching of it was so 
marvelous that Httle was thought of but the speedy 
and certain capture of the world for Christ. The 



456 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

*' sects " would surrender, or be blown to atoms. 
Nothing was looked for but the immediate triumph 
of the gospel over all opposition. Nor must this 
ardent hope be accounted a mere enthusiasm, or be 
handed over to the credit of an overestimate of the 
importance of the views of the gospel just then freshly 
brought to light. The law of Moses was *'weak 
through the flesh ;" so, under the gospel of Christ, 
there is a human side in the affair. Here is where 
the failure lies of realizing the high hopes of the 
most brilliant success. 

Thoughtful men predicted this at the beginning. 
The admirable Osborne saw it, and lamented the 
absence of a system for holding and training the 
converts. William Hayden foresaw confusion, and 
a coming disappointment of the mistaken hopes of 
the more ardent. They remonstrated with Scott, 
but that angel of the tempest, beholding victory on 
all sides, blew louder his silver trumpet of salvation, 
and replied : ** O, convert the people, and give them 
the Holy Ghost, and they will be safe ! " Benajah 
Austin, a man of sense like a governor, said to 
Bentley and Henry: '*You must stop; the longer 
you go on the worse it will be. It will come to con- 
fusion. If you go on twenty years in this way it 
will be all the worse, for you will have to stop at 
last. There must be suitable men appointed to take 
care of the converts." 

No one, not even Scott, consented to a loose, dis- 
organized state of the churches. Far otherwise. 
The scriptural eldership, the discipline and edifica- 
tion of the converts, were the subjects of early and 
constant discourse. But it was subordinate. Is it 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 45/ 

surprising, then, that some converts fell away? that 
churches languished, and that numbers of them fell 
into dilapidation and were extinguished ? If the due 
adjustment of these two agencies had been suitably 
disposed at the beginning, it would have resulted in 
far greater strength and prosperity. It is a marvel 
that the churches have stood so well — a proof of the 
truth and power of the principles of our pleading, 
rather than of the skill or wisdom of our manage- 
ment. 

III. It was a mistake to start so many churches. 
This error was a result of the exuberance of evan- 
gelical zeal already noticed. For this there is much 
apology in the inexperience attending the begin- 
nings of the enterprise, and still more in the lack 
of men to maintain the ground conquered by the ag- 
gression of the heroic evangelist. These cases of 
neglected congregations are referred to as examples 
of failure. They oppose now the most formidable 
obstacle in the way of lifting up the cause into new 
life. 

There is an old Latin proverb which teaches that 
'* it is right to learn, even of an enemy." Other re- 
ligious bodies could have taught us wisdom, if we had 
not spurned every thing that the fingers of " secta- 
rianism" had touched. Perhaps it would have been 
no less wise to have taken a few hints from their man- 
agement than it is now for us to gather up the needed 
lessons from a retrospect of our own. Some twenty- 
eight years ago Episcopacy set its eye on a commu- 
nity within the limits of my labors. That cause was, 
in all respects, feeble. The Presbyterian, Congrega- 
tional, and other forms of belief, cried out : " If a 
39 



458 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

fox go up upon it, he shall even break down their 
stone wall/* The reproach passed unheeded. Every 
year, not one excepted, the bishop of Ohio has made 
his parochial visit to this feeble parish. Scarcely 
has he once failed to ** confirm " new members of the 
body. The interests of that cause have been looked 
after with a vigilance reflecting credit to that people ; 
and, it now stands as a monument of their undevia- 
ting perseverance. Is it an evidence of strength in 
Episcopacy.'^ would it be a proof of weakness in us 
to adopt a similar policy ? Is it strength there and 
weakness here.^ Is it surprising that intelligent, dis- 
cerning citizens, casting about for a *'home,*' turn 
from a people where they see evidences of looseness 
in plan, and weakness in system, and yield themselves 
up in membership to organized bodies who conduct 
their enterprises systematically and successfully ? 
Our gospel has won many friends who have been 
lost to us through feebleness of plan and want of 
system. 

It would be neither wise nor just to heap reproaches, 
as is the habit of some, upon the fathers and pioneers 
of our religious work, for the misdirected efforts 
of the early part of our history. This wisdom to di- 
rect could be learned only by experience. And this 
skillful adjustment of materials could be made only 
when there were materials to adjust and to manage. 
But on us, the factors of this age, will justly rest re- 
proach, if with the past as a lesson, we do not see 
where to improve. Still more, if seeing, we refuse, 
on account of willfulness or indifference, to rectify 
our errors and to labor for reform in our meth- 
ods. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 459 



IV. The Want of Records. 

In the opening of our plea on the Western Re- 
serve the iconoclast was among us. He wrought for 
us, though in a far less honorable sense, the work 
which Goethe said was accomplished by Lord 
Bacon. " He took a sponge and wiped from the 
tablet all records of former knowledge.'' 

The cry ran — ^^clear away the rubbish, that the 
foundations of the Lord's house may be laid. Re- 
formation is one thing, demolition another, and resto- 
ration still another. Discrimination did not well 
rule the hour. No records were kept after 1828. 
Some of the churches thought it a violation of this 
reformation to have any records whatever, even a list 
of the names of the members. There was no au- 
thority for it in the word of the Lord. ** Where the 
Scriptures speak, we speak ; where they are silent, 
we are silent." The noblest of rules ; but, applied to 
mere prudentials, most egregiously misapplied. So, 
as the Scriptures gave no instructions about church 
records the whole matter was ruled out of order, and 
out of the church. 

Alas ! what has been lost by this misdirected zeal ! 
The zeal was good, but the wisdom was the essence 
of folly. What would we not give now for a contin- 
uance of the records of the Mahoning Association, 
which met two years under that name after the records 
ceased } Why were there no records of our yearly 
meetings ? What rich and abundant materials for 
future history and instruction ? 

Who can tell us, from historic data, even now cor- 
rectly, about our debates, and the mighty campaigns 



460 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

which have given us so many communities for Jesus 
Christ ? Who now, from any preserved records, can 
tell the history of Henry, that swift messenger of 
the glad tidings ? In vain we question records for 
an account of his conversion, his baptism, and how 
he came forth from being a driver of oxen and a bu- 
gler for regiments, to become a leader in the embat- 
tled hosts of the armies of the living God. And 
Brockett, the blessed ; and Smith, the saint ; and 
Collins, the colleague of the honorable ! 

In these pages, personal knowledge and gathered 
data have, in part, supplied this lack. But this 
source of information is, with the passing genera- 
tion, rapidly going down to the dumb grave ; the 
silent receptacle of all things human. 

The scribe was a man of high authority among the 
Jews, a little vain, and a sweep of his robe somewhat 
too ample. The horn of oil made the nation jubilant 
when it was emptied in the consecration of a priest 
or a king. But the horn of ink has made many na- 
tions joyful by its recitals of their deeds, and its 
transmissions of their jubilees. 

Oh, that Scott had kept a diary ! that our earlier 
men had written as well as talked ! - Thanks to Bax- 
ter, whose skill and zeal have evoked from the tomb 
of the mighty, a history distinguished both for its 
beauty and its truth. Of what infinite embarrass- 
ment would he have been relieved by contempora- 
neous records ! 

The historic muse prepared his reed to sing the 
illustrious deeds of the panoplied pioneers, not in 
verse, but in plain and humble prose. Yet the prose 
should fall little below the powers of the loftiest 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 46 1 

muses, to record in fitting terms the grand anthem 
of their heroism and their triumph. Shall the next 
generation find this one as barren of records as we 
find the past ? 

V. Once more. All our past history proclaims 
the necessity of a combination of effort to advance 
the gospel. 

This cause originated in conventional effort. After 
three years these associational plans were laid aside, 
and we subsided, on this point, into a state of apostasy. 
During the last twenty years we have been slowly 
recovering and steadily returning to our first works. 
In August, 1827, ministers of the gospel assembled in 
New Lisbon, selected an evangelist, and sent him into 
the field. This action gave us Walter Scott. In 1828, 
the churches were again represented b)'' delegation 
in Warren. This convention chose and sent out 
Walter Scott and William Hayden. In 1829, the 
association repeated its work, sending into the evan- 
gelical field four men — Scott, Hayden, Bentley, and 
Bosworth. 

On this concert of action, the following observa- 
tions deserve particular mention : 

1st, These evangelists were selected and sent out 
by the ministry of the church, acting in their dele- 
gated capacity. 

2d, This joint action was threefold: 

{a) They selected ministers, or proclaimers of the 
gospel ; 

(d) They appointed their fields of labor ; 

(c) They arranged for their compensation. 

3d, The churches felt bound by the action of their 
delegates. They received the evangelists, and by 



462 EARLY HISTORY OP THE DISCIPLES 

contributions and other material ways they assisted 
and co-operated in their work. 

It should be farther noted, that Bro. Campbell was 
the prime mover and the active leader in this scheme 
of associational effort to bring an evangelist into the 
field. This movement was conducted with the most 
perfect unanimity, not a dissentient in that body. It 
was the action of the soundest, wisest, most delibera- 
tive, and prudent men. 

The twenty years succeeding is the period of our 
anarchy. During this time we had no concert, regu- 
lar or irregular, stated or incidental, if we except 
some ineffectual efforts to bring a better order into 
existence. The great saving power was the yearly 
meeting system. This, serving as a bond of union, 
was a powerful support to the cause. These meet- 
ings were the conservation of the churches. They 
were aggressive, adding multitudes of converts. By 
diffusing a general, personal acquaintance, they culti- 
vated a strong tie of brotherhood. Yet with all their 
benefits, which were neither few nor weak, they were 
not organic. They sent out no missionaries ; they 
called for no reports ; they performed no action for 
the churches, nor for the systematic diffusion of the 
gospel. They came as a cloud with blessings, poured 
out their treasure of good, and departed. 

During these years many attempts were made to 
form co-operations. They were failures. The cry 
of priest-craft, or sectarianism, was alone sufficient to 
blast the effort for order. 

The first fact, or action, which gathered to it a 
general confidence, was the establishment of the Ec- 
lectic Institute. It opened its halls for students in 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 463 

November, 1850. Slowly at first, amid doubts and 
opposition, it got under way. It gained rapidly, and 
won the confidence of all the brotherhood in north- 
eastern Ohio. The chief glory of that institution 
has not been told : which was, that it created a most 
desirable and useful general confidence among us. 
We united. We joined hands around one good en- 
terprise. The purpose succeeded, and vindicated 
the most useful sentiment of union in action. May 
this lesson never be lost. As the noble Eclectic In- 
stitute, of many happy memories, has not died, but 
has succeeded in a still more noble and useful Insti- 
tution, our beloved Hiram College— long may it pros- 
per — so let this general unity of confidence, to which 
it gave birth, grow into all that is desirable in the 
formation of all needful plans to send forth the gos- 
pel as at the beginning of our blessed work. This 
confidence is transferring itself to our missionary 
work. Around this society let it rally till it shall be- 
come a permanent power in the land ! 

VI. Last, but not Least. 

As this blessed cause, so dear to our hearts, 
has maintained itself in all vicissitudes, has braved 
all opposition, and still flourishes with little combina- 
tion among its leaders, will our forty years' experience, 
if questioned, speak out and tell us the reason } I 
answer most unequivocally, it will. Its answer is in 

2 Tim. 4: I, 2. " preach the word!" This 

is the only solution. This answer is complete. 

Ask the blessed dead, they will tell you ; the Apple- 
gates, the Altons, the Bosworths, the Brocketts, and 
the Bentleys ; the Collins, the Clapps ; the Haydens, 



464 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

the Henrys, and the Smiths ; the Otises, the Waits, 
and the Violls. They preached the gospel. They 
were no mere essayists. They were not theorizers, 
nor speculatists. They preached Christ and him 
crucified. In this they were a unit. The same gos- 
pel was preached in every town, county, and school 
district. They used their Bibles. They read, quoted, 
illustrated, and enforced the Holy Scriptures. This 
lesson is all important. We must ** preach the word," 
not something about the gospel, but the gospel itself. 
Some of our preachers should sit at the feet of the 
departed veterans, and learn to speak and enforce 
Bible themes in Bible words. Let us have more 
Scripture, in its exact meaning and import ; more 
gospel, more of Jesus, his will, his mission, and his 
work. This was their power. It will be ours. Most 
of all, and last of all, we impress this lesson : preach 
the gospel in season, out of season. Preach it as 
Peter preached, as Paul preached it. Be not weak, 
nor ashamed of its facts, commands, and promises, 
as delivered to us by our fathers ; and to them by the 
holy apostles. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 465 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

AN ABBREVIATED ACCOUNT OF CHURCHES OMITTED, 
OR RECENTLY ORGANIZED. 



Alliance, Stark Co. — Organized March, 1857, with thirty mem- 
bers, by P. K. Dibble. Elders; Asa Silvers and Elwood Pat- 
terson. Deacons; Mathias Hester, H. H. Hubbard, and 
Edward Pettit. Preachers succeeding Bro. Dibble ; A. B. Way, 
J. Pinkerton, Isaac Errett, J. H. Jones, F. M. Green, E. L. 
Frazier. Present number, three hundred and thirty-five. El- 
ders; A. W. Coates, J. W. Phillips. Deacons; M. Hester, 
5aml. Miller, J. C. Sheets, Wm. Watson, J. C. Sutton, J. M. 
Fogle, G. W. Thornberg. 

Auburn, Geauga Co. — Formed April 10, 1841, with twenty-nine 
members, by A. S. Hayden. R. Granger, overseer; John 
Brown and Jonathan Burnet, deacons. This church has been 
aided by most of the preachers. They have a good house, and 
continue to meet. 

Bazetta, West, Trumbull Co. — Organized December 16, 1848, 
by Calvin Smith, with forty members. Levi Bush and Alden 
Faunce, overseers; Ellis Pierce, Jas. Sage, and Jacob Dice, 
deacons. This church has received help from most of the 
preachers. Present elders; Hiram Wilber, Milo Crawford. 
Deacons; Jacob Shaffer, John Wier, and Jas. Wier. One hun- 
dred and four members. 

Birmingham, Erie Co. — Began in 1829, by Clapp and Rigdon, un- 
der whose influence Elder Orrin Abbott led the chief part of 
the Baptist church of Henrietta into the reformation. Hay- 
den, Moss, Green, and Moody, followed up the work. Church 
was reorganized July, 1841, with Almon Andress and D. B. 
Turner, elders; and Silas Wood, Abner Hancock, and Wm. 
Parker, deacons. Other leading helps; John Cyrenius, B. Al- 



466 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

ton, W. O'Connor, J. Encell/ and R. G. White. Bro. G. W. 
Mapse, of Illinois, arose in this church. 

Brookfield, Trumbtdl Co, — The ground was broken as early as 
1828 by Hayden, Henry, and Hartzel. A church was formed 
there February 22, 1875, with thirty-three names. Deacons, 
Robert S. Hart and Henry Hamilton. Present number, fifty- 
eight. Arnold Taylor, Henry L. Patterson, and Jesse Hoag- 
land, overseers. 

Bristol, North, Trumbull Co, — In i860, H. Reeves baptized 
twenty-eight. In 1868, J. N. Smith added fifty-five, when by 
him and N. N. Bartlett, the church was organized with ninety- 
two members. The elders were Hiram Thayer and A. A. 
House. The deacons : Jacob Sager and S. A. Davidson. A 
live church with a good house. Dr. I. A. Thayer and D. P. 
Thayer, preachers, arose here. E. Wakefield has been a chief 
support of the church. 

Camden, Lorain Co, — Organized May 21, 1842, with five names; 
John Cyrenius, elder. Established in Kipton, November 27, 
1872, with thirty-eight. Daniel Kingsbury and R. C. Eastman, 
elders ; deacons, H. H. Crandall and James Van Dusen. Pres- 
ent number one hundred and thirty-four. Officers : James Van 
Dusen, Wm. Anderson, and Hiram Prentice, elders : deacons, 
H. H. Crandall, Chauncey Close, Wm. Douglass, and Frank 
Danzy. Pastor, James Vernon. 

Chester, Geauga Co, — At the instance of W. A. Lillie and A, 
Harper, Bro. Hartzel came in October, 1842, v/hen the meet- 
ings began and continued. Reorganized October, l8$2, by C. 
Smith and A. L. Soule. Alonzo Matthews, overseer ; Cyrus 
Millard and A. Scott, deacons. A. Burns, W. A. Lillie, and 
J. G. Coleman, efficient helps. Present officers : C. Millard, 
A. Harper, and C. H. Welton, elders ; Porter Scott and Albert 
Phinney, deacons. About forty members. 

Denmark, Ashtabula Co. — Planted January, 1 85 7, by Orrin Gates. 
It had sixteen members; S. S. Chapman and D. G. White, 
overseers. This body dissolved in a few years, but it lives in 
its representatives. Four preachers came from it, viz. : S. S. 
Chapman, and the three brothers H. J. White, D. J. White, 
and R. G. White. 

Edinburg, Portage Co, — In 1 865, a church of thirty members was 
planted here by S. S. Chapman, with Wm. Cowell and Cyrus 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 467 

Turnbull, elders ; and Jesse Rogers and George Stump, dea- 
cons. Succeeding helps : E. Wakefield, F. M. Green, B. A. 
Baker, D. C. Hanselman. Present number sixty-five. Linas 
Rogers, preacher. Three preachers, brothers, have arisen 
here, viz. : Edwin Rogers, Linas Rogers, and W, H. Rogers, 
sons of Jesse Rogers. 

Elyria, Lorain Co, — It began in the tour of Clapp and Rigdon 
in 1829. Wm. Hayden soon came, followed by Green, Moody, 
and Jones. Church formed in 1832. It increased till there 
were forty members. Chief men : Herrick Parker, H. Red- 
dington, Asahel Parmly, Dr. Butler. It expired by removals. 
J. D. Benedict came into the work here, leaving the bar to 
plead the gospel, in which he won many converts, and a wide 
reputation. 

Fairfield, North, Huron Co, — At the request of Ezra Leonard, 
A. B. Green came July 4, 1835. ^^ ^^3^ ^^ returned, accom- 
panied by J. J. Moss, when the church began, with Jonas 

Leonard and McLain, elders. W. A. Lillie, Dana 

Call, and Wm. Dowling, continued the work. In 1854 the 
church was organized in North Fairfield with over thirty mem- 
bers, by the lamented Henry Dixon, whose preaching created 
a wide and profound interest. Many also united under the 
preaching of A. Burns. Present elders : Isaiah Cline, D. H. 
Reed, and Bro. Culbertson. 

Fowler, Trumbull Co, — Started January, 1832, with thirty mem- 
bers, by J. Applegate, assisted by A. S. Hayden. Early evan- 
gelists ; Wm. Hayden, Bosworth, and Allerton. Reorganized 
March, 1 85 1, by C. Smith and J. T. Phillips, with thirty-five 
members. Elders, A. W. Porter and Milo Dugan ; deacons, J. 
L. Jones, Menville Tyrrell. Succeeding elders, A Humeston, 
Chas. Fowler, H. C. Williamson, and David Campbell. Dea- 
cons following : Hiram Porter, James McCleery, Alex Camp- 
bell, Addison Dawson, Jasper Kingsley. Present officers ; A. 
Dawson, Lewis Alderman, Menville Tyrrell, overseers ; N. C. 
Fisk and S. J. Rand, deacons. 

Geneva, Ashtabula Co, — Formed October 17, 1868, with thirty-four 
members, under the auspices of the Ohio Missionary Society. 
Present, R. R. Sloan, Isaac Errett, A. S. Hayden ; elders, 
A. S. Turney, Edward Brakeman ; deacons, E. D. Gage, F. C. 
Baur, and H. N. Amidon. Present elders, A. S. Turney and 



468 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Frederick Dickinson; deacons, D. Foot and H. Saunders. 
Number of members, one hundred and fifty-seven. 

Hamden, Geauga Co, — This church originated in the labors of Rig- 
don and Collins. By the latter it was formed in 1829. Geo. 
Hale, overseer ; John Bartholomew, deacon. Sustained chiefly 
by Thos. Campbell, Clapp, and Collins. In 1848 there were 
yet twenty-four members. Sometime after this it ceased to 
meet. 

HUNTSBURG, Geauga Co, — It arose in 1829, by the labors of Hay- 
den, Henry, Collins, and Saunders. Brethren Howells, Cha- 
pin Moss, Brackett, and Clarke, stood long and firmly on the 
ground. In 1848 they enrolled still twenty-three members. 
Lillie, A. P. Jones, Robison, and White, have also rendered 
important service there. A number of members still hold the 
house, and represent the church. 

Hamilton's Corners, Medina Co, — This congregation arose in 
the labors of J. Encell. It was organized by A. B. Green, 
July 23, 1 87 1, with thirty-six members. The overseers are S. 
T. Adams and Chas. Kenyon ; W. H. Floyd and O. Birchard, 
deacons. Brethren Moody, Gibbs, and I. A. Searles, have 
been helps. Present number, sixty-three. 

Hartsgrove, Ashtabula Co, — Formed November, 1854, by C. 
Smith and O. Gates. J. Bartholomew a frequent aid. Lead- 
ing members ; A. Watson, N. Hubbard, I. Y. McKinney, and 
Edward Lee. Present number, sixty-five. 

Hartford, Trumbull Co, — Began in the labors of Hayden and M. 
Bosworth. Formed May i, 1830, by Hayden, with twenty-two 
members. Geo. W. Bushnell, overseer; Elihu Bates, deacon. 
In 1838, Alex. Spears was chosen elder; and John Bates, dea- 
con. Orris Mason, J. B. Jones, Sam'l Bates, and Abner Ban- 
ning, have also served as deacons. Present overseers, G. W. 
Bushnell and James Fowler. Number, fifty. 

HiNKLEY, Medina Co, — Organized February, 1870, with fifty-four 
members at the close of a successful meeting held by R. Moffett. 
Dr. G. S. Gillett and Geo. E. Weber, elders ; John Mussen, 
Lewis Finch (now deceased), C. J. Green, and Rich d Dun- 
ham, deacons. H. N. Allen preached four years there ; now 
H. B. Cox. A good church property. 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 469 

HoWLAND, Trtwibtill Co, — In 1828 there arose a church in Howland, 
supported mostly by the brothers Drake, a noble family of de- 
voted Christians, and Zephaniah Luce, Lewis Heaton,and other 
families. It is dear for the faithfulness of its members, and for 
the labors of all the early preachers; the Campbells, Scott, 
Bentley, Hayden, Henry, Bosworth, Hartzel, and many others. 
The church holds the ground still for the Lord. 

Jackson, North, Trumbull Co, — Planted in the fall of 1852, by 

C. Smith, with fifty persons. • Reorganized May 23, 1874, by 
H. D. Carlton, with thirty-four members. Elders, W. B. 
Dean and Joseph Pierce ; deacons, Jas. Russell, Geo. Shively, 
and Christian Shively. Mary Shively, Mary Anthony, and 
Belinda Kirkpatrick, are the deaconesses. Present number, 
forty. 

Little Mountain, Lake Co. — Organized by D. Otis, April 6, 1843. 
Forty-seven members. D. Otis and E. J. Ferris were the over- 
seers ; Wm. T. Rexford and Chas. Tuttle, deacons. It sur- 
vived the death of its founder, the zealous Dexter Otis, a few 
years. In December, 1857, it ceased to meet, and the mem- 
bers united with contiguous churches. 

MiDDLEBURY, Summit Co. — Started March 30, 1875, with ninety 

members, under the labors of R. G. White, aided by H. J. 

White, who is in charge of the church, with Dr. M. Jewett 

and Almon Brown, as associate elders, and T. H. Botsford 

and Geo. F. Kent, deacons. 

MONTVILLE, Geauga Co, — Dr. Lucius A. Baldwin solicited O. Gates 
to come, who added fifteen, and organized the church, Febru- 
ary 12, i860, with seventeen. Dr. Baldwin and John Murray, 
overseers; Steven Case, first deacon. The church prospered. 
Anson Shaw, superintendent of the Bible-school. Meetings 
have been held by Gates, Burns, R. G. White, Hanselman, 
Ingram, Wakefield, and Thayer. N. P. Lawrence is their 
preacher. 

Morgan, (Rock Creek,) Ashtabula Co, — Church formed May 4, 
1874, with over a hundred members. The elders are M. Bre- 
tell, D. S. Bacheldor, and H. Pifer ; deacons, J. Knowlton, 

D. R. Phillips, H. Moses, and V. D. Latimer. They have 
an active Sunday-school, and a valuable house, for which 
they owe much to the liberality of Mrs. Randall. 



470 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

NiLES, Truinbull Co. — In 1842, IT. Brockett and J. Henry built up 
the church with 90. Joshua Carle and A. J. Luse were the first 
elders ; Lewis Heaton, Abner Fenton, and Jacob Robinson, 
were deacons. Present officers : Benjamin Leach and L. L. 
Campbell, overseers. Bro. H. Baldwin served 24 years — re- 
cently deceased ; deacons, H. J. Mason, Lewis Reel, and Ste- 
phen Dunlap. Present membership, one hundred. N. N. 
Bartlett, pastor. 

Norton, Medina Co. — This arose from the church in Wads worth. 
It was organized in 1 83 7. .It had about twenty members. A. 
B. Green and Gad Bronson, overseers ; John Bunnell and 
Ananias Derthick, deacons. The Bennetts, E. Spicer, C. 
Beckwith, S. Tyler, Philander and Calvin Green, were leading 
members. It continued till 1863. P. Green arose here, and 
also L. L, Carpenter, of Indiana. 

Orange, North, Cuyahoga Co. — Formed by A. S. Hayden and M. 
N. Warren, June 28, 1845, with fifteen members. It increased 
to about seventy. The elders from the first were Wm. T. 
Hutchinson, Ira Rutherford, Selah Shirtliff, Silas Y. Dean, 
Wm. Shelden and Allen Tibbitts ; deacons, Ira Rutherford, 
Allen Tibbitts, Wm. Shelden, Marcus Lindsley, Henry Hal- 
sted, Luther Battles, Jr., and Addison Hoose. After twenty 
years of useful history, emigration, the foe of churches, ended 
its existence. 

Orange, South. — Planted March 2, 1845, by Bentley and Wm. 
Hayden. It had seventeen members. Amos Boynton and 
Zenas Smith were the overseers ; W. A. Lillie, M. N. Warren, 
and Solyman Hubbell, were useful helps. 

Russell, Geauga Co, — In 1841, Wm. Hayden began preaching 
here. In the fall of 1842, W. A. Lillie came. The ** first 
fruits "were reaped by Hayden, June 10, 1843, ^^ ^o^^* con- 
verts. Others were baptized by Lillie. The church was 
formed with fifteen members, by Chas. F. Bartlett. A. L, 
Myron, and Benj. Soule, the Robisons, with Lillie, S. Robin- 
son, and Matthews, were chief members. The church was 
built up, first by Hayden, Bentley, and Lillie ; then by C. 
Smith, I. Errett, and Jones ; later by A. Burns and J. G. 
Coleman. Elder S. R. Willard united here from the Baptists. 
In this church H. W. Everest, late Prest. of Eureka College, 



IN THE WESTERN RESERVE. 47 1 

now of Kentucky University, was ordained by A. Bentley and 
Isaac Errett, April 18, 1855. W. B. Hendryx began here his 
useful career. 

SoUTHlNGTON, Trumbull Co. — An old, stable church. Most of the 
Baptists accepted the principles of reform, when this congrega- 
tion started in 1828, under T. Campbell, — by whom Sam'l 
Haughton was baptized, — and Scott and Applegate. It has 
always kept the light burning, and now numbers about one 
hundred. Present elders : Wm. Bronson, Wm. Haughton, 
and Harvey McCorkle ; deacons, Henry A. Haughton, and 
Charles Wannemaker, who is clerk. 

Solon, Cuyahoga Co, — This church has a rich history. It arose by 
the labors of W. Hayden and A. Bentley, when S. Norton, H, 
Baldwin, S. D. Kelley, L. S. Bull, C. Jewett, and others 
moved in from Aurora. The church was reorganized, Novem- 
ber 29, 1841, by M. L. Wilcox. Simon Norton, S. D. Kelley, 
elders; Henry Baldwin, C. Jewett, and L. S. Bull, deacons. 
In March, 1842, E. Williams held a meeting, when J. M. 
Hickox and wife, and many others united. Most of the preach- 
ers have held successful meetings here — ^Jones, Green, Hart- 
zel, and Perky. As regular supplies, Garfield, Everest, Hins- 
dale, Hill ; present pastor, C. M. Hemry. Chief men in later 
times, C. B. Lockwood and E. C. Parmlee. Present num- 
ber, one hundred and fifty. 

Thompson, Geauga Co, — Formed January i, 1848, by E. J. Ben- 
jamin, with thirty names. Jacob Norman and Simon Baur, 
elders ; Paul Baur and Hiram Stevens, deacons. Bro. O. Gates 
was a frequent and efficient help, by whom many were added ; 
alsoH. Reeves, E. Wakefield, and J. W. Errett. Later, J. G. 
Encell, R. G. White, J. W. James, Bartlett, Ingram and 
Cook. Present number, seventy, with Chas. W. Foot and 
Simon Baur, elders ; and Paul Baur, Lewis Keener, and Henry 
Malin, deacons. 

Trumbull, East, Ashtabula Co, — October, 1858, Bro. Gates, as- 
sisted by J. G. Encell, held a meeting here, ending with 
twenty-eight conversions, when the church started with forty- 
five names. Wm. Nelson was elder ; and Harvey Curtiss, dea- 
coa. H. Reeves and J, Bartholomew, were cooperating 
preachers. 



4/2 EARLY HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES 

Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co, — The Mormons having made inroads 
here, A. Bentley, following them up, rescued several, and bap- 
tized Mrs. Louisa Hubbell, in May, 1831. The church vi^as set 
up by Wm. Hayden and J. J. Moss. Isaac Moore was a leading 
member. The brethren of Newburg and Cleveland met with 
them. Soon Solyman Hubbell and A. T. Hubbell were ap- 
pointed elders. Moses Warren, baptized at the yearly meet- 
ing in Newburg, 1835, '^'^s a deacon and an elder. In De- 
cember, 1842, a meeting was held by Collins, Alton, and A. S. 
Hayden, resulting in forty-nine conversions. In September, 
1S43, a great yearly meeting was held there by Hartzel, E. A. 
Smith, of Ky., and eleven other preachers. The church flour- 
ished many years, till it was dismembered by death and re- 
movals. 

WiLLOUGHBY, Lake Co. — The members on Waite Hill and about 
Willoughby were congregated as a church in that town, Sep- 
tember 28, 1873, under the auspices of the O. S. Miss, Society, 
R. R. Sloan and A. S. Hayden officiating. Elders, A. B. 
Green and W. A. Liliie ; deacons, H. H. Hall and H. J. Randall. 
It began with thirty-nine names. Present number, eighty. It 
has a good Sunday School, and is flourishing under the charge, 
as preacher, of A. B. Green, 

Sullivan, Ashland Co, — The church in Sullivan was established 
through the agency of Sylvanus Parmly and his amiable 
family. He was a gentleman of much intelligence and weight 
of influence in the county. He and his family learned the 
gospel in Elyria. In the year 1832, having moved to Sullivan, 
he opened meetings. At his instance Wm. Hayden came ; his 
singing and sermons won the people, and fourteen were asso- 
ciated as a church. A fiery opposition, cruel in its perversions 
of truth, assailed the work, but it was nobly defended by the 
intelligent sisters as well as the brethren. Moss, Green 
and Moody, heroically seconded their efforts; John Henry 
held there successful meetings, as did also John Reed and 
James Porter. In June, 1838, under Bro. Reed's labors, J. P. 
Mann and Milo Carlton, now of Kansas, with many others, 
turned to the Lord. Bro. Moody and G. W. Lucy conducted 
a meeting which resulted in bringing in twenty-seven converts. 
M. L. Wilcox gave powerful support to the cause. All these 
brethren and others, especially the first named, watered the 
seed sown, and on that field many ripe sheaves have been 
reaped by the Lord of the harvest. Few churches have been 
more severely tried, yet it still keeps its light burning. 



INDEX. 



Abbott, Eld. Orrin, 465. 
Advent of Mormonism, 209. 
Akron and Middlebury, 355; revived, 

357. 

Allerton, A., 321, 323. 

Alliance, church, 465. 

Alton, B,, biography of, 300. 

Amend, Wm., conversion, 75 ; letter 
from, 79. 

Anecdote, 43, xo8, 122, 169, 356, 360, 366, 
368, 372, 380, 38a. 

Akron and Middlebury, church, 355. 

Anthon, Prof,, testimony of, 452. 

Applegate, John, biography of, 275. 

Association, Christian, 44. 

Association, Mahoning, 20 ; constitution 
and creed, 25 ; in Canfield, 34 ; in New 
Lisbon, 54; in Warren, i6i ; in Sha- 
ron, 270; in Austintown, 295; dis- 
solved, 296. 

Atwater, D., 237, 238 ; biography, 242. 

Auburn, church, 465. 

Aurora, church, 375. 

Austin, Benajah, 92, 456. 

Austintown, church arising, 127; or- 
ganized, 132. 

Bainbridge, Church, 380. 
Baptism, first in Cleveland by the Dis- 
ciples, 419. 
Bartlett, Chas. F., 393, 
Bartlett, Walter, 309, 310. 
Bazetta, Baconsburg, church, 281. 
Bazetta, West, church, 465. 
Beardslee, J. O., biography, 398. 
Bedford, church, 387. 
Belding, W. A., 339, 344. 
Belief of the church in Wellsburg, 31, 
Benedict, J. D., 446, 467. 
Bentley, A., 19, 91 ; biography, 102. 
Birmingham, church, 465. 



Bloomficld, North, church, 300; rcor- 

ganized, 304. 
Bloomingdale, Mich., church, 447. 
Board of managers. Miss. Society, 397. 
Booth, Rev. Ezra, 250, 251, 252. 
Bosworth, Cyrus, biography, 109. 
Bosworth, Marcus, biography, 136. 
Braceville, church, 136, 139. 
Bristol, North, church, 466. 
Brockett, H., biography, 307 ; in Sha* 

lersville, 337. 
Brookficld, church, 466. 
Brown, O. E., 159. 
Burnet, D. S., 385, 448, 
Brunswick, {PoiHpey Street), 432. 
Burns, A., 466, 467, 470. 
Burton, church, 234. 
Butler, Dr., 446. 

CAMoaw, {Kipton), Church, 466. 

Campbell, Thos., biography, 41 ; visits 
the Western Reserve, 147; letter to 
Rigdon, 217. 

Campbell, A., messenger to the M. As- 
sociation, 31 ; notable sermon, 35 ; bi- 
ography, 45 ; vi.sits the Western Re- 
serve, 370; before the skeptics, 366, 
371 ; eloquence described, 377 ; ser- 
mon in Bedford, 390 ; visits Youngs- 
town, 449, 450. 

Call, Dana, 448, 467. 

Canfield, church, 120; established at the 
Center, 126. 

Carpenter, L. L., 470, 

Carson, Alex., 267. 

Center, Wis., church, 126. 

Chagrin Falls, church, 438. 

Chapman, S. S., 466. ib. 

Chardon, church, 223. 

Chester, church, 466. 

Christian Baptist, ai, 37. 

(473) 



474 



INDEX. 



Christian ministers of note, 80. 

Church, Samuel, 284, 253. 

Clapp, M. S., 193, 195 ; biography, 197. 

Cleveland, church arising, 415 ; organ- 
ized, 420. 

Coleman, J. G., 232, 464, 470. 

Collamer, (EucHd), church, 408. 

Collins, Wm., 22, 215; biography, 225. 

Community system, urged by Rigdon, 
298. 

Cooley, L., 421, 444. 

Correspondence, Dr. E. Parmly and 
Prof. Anthon, 452. 

Creed of the M. Association, 27. 

Cyrenius, John, 465, 466, 

Death of Prominent Men, 419. 
Davis, R.T., 284. 

Declaration and address, 44. 

Deerfield, investigation society, 317; 
church formed, 319; Scott's visit, 320. 

Denmark, church, 466. 

Diary, Robbin's, 142. 

Dille, Luther, 408, 409, 415. 

Discourses, 18, 35, 320, 366, 390. 

Discussions, Campbell and Walker, 18 ; 
Campbell and McCalla, 21 ; Campbell 
and Owen, 48 ; Campbell and Purcell, 
48 ; Campbell and Rice, 48 ; Campbell 
and Skinner, 48 ; Wilcox and Graham, 
356; Green and Davis, 385; Hartzel 
and Waldo, 449; Hartzel and Sted- 
man, 449 ; Hartzel and Hay den, with 
Stedman and Locock, 439 ; Garfield 
and Denton, 441 ; Campbell and Un- 
derbill, 417. 

Dixon, Henry, 447, 448, 467. 

Eagleville, Church Formed, 350. 

East Cleveland, church, 421. 

Eaton, North, church, 443. 

Eclectic Institute, origin and establish- 
ment, 260. 

Edinburg, church, 466. 

Elyria, church, 467. 

Errett, Isaac, loi, 304, 440. 

Errett, J. W., loi, 228, 471. 

Euclid, (Collamer\ church, 408. 

Evangelist, call for, 55 ; Scott appointed, 
58. 

Everest, H. W., 448, 470. 

Expectation of the millennium, 183. 



Fairfield, East, Church, hi. 
Fairfield, North, church, 467. 
Farmington, church, 306. 
Ferguson, Reuben, 149. 
Finch, C. P., 317, 319, 323, 361. 
Foot, C. C, 338, 422, 448. 
Forward, Chauncey, 379. 
Fowler, church, 467, 
Franklin, (Kent), 384. 
Freedom, church, 159. 
Freeman, Eld. Rufus, 22. 

Garfield, J. A., 222, 441. 

Garrettsville, church, 260. 
Gaston, Joseph, 83, 85. 
Gaston, James E., 86, loi, 118. 
Gates, Orrin, 231, 260. 
Geneva, church, 467. 
Ghent, church, 436. 
Glasier, H. S., 401. 
Goodall, Eld. Warner, 191, 226. 
Granger, church, 434. 
Gray, W. S., 360, 453. 
Green, A. B., sketch of, 363. 
Green, Philander, 436. 
Green, F. M., 345, 436. 
Greenville, church, 309. 

Hamden, Church, 468. 

Hamilton's Corners, church, 468. 

Hartford, church, 468. 

Hartsgrove, church, 468. 

Hartzel, Jonas, experiences of, 313. 

Hawley, E. H., 259, 349. 

Hayden, William, chosen evangelist, 

174; biography, 176. 
Hayden, Walter S., 228, 442, 453. 
Hayden brothers, William W., Warren 

L., and Morgan P., 323. 
Henry, John, 129 ; biography, 133, 
Hillock, Dr. T., 127, 283. 
Hinkley, church, 468. 
Hinsdale, B. A,, obituary sermon for S« 

Ryder, 245. 
Hiram, church, 244. 
Howland, church, 469. 
Hubbard, E. B., slcetch of, 3x1. 
Hubbard, church, 272. 
Hudson, church, 384. 
Huntsburg, church, 468. 

Incidents, 406. 
Itineracy, system of, 270. 



INDEX. 



475 



Jackson, Church, 469. 
James, J. W., 159, 471. 
Johnson, J. B., 422. 
Jones, Eld. Thos. G., 22, 91, 267. 
Jones, Alex. P., 196, 197, 215. 
Jones, J. H., 267, 392, 447. 
Judd, Chas., 372. 

Kent, Church, 384. 
King brothers, 224, 
King, Dan. R., 228, 229. 
Kipton, (Camden), church, 466. 

Lafayette, Church, 431. 

Lanphear, J. W., 433. 

Law, sermon on, 18. 

Leonard, Ezra, 123, 425, 467. 

Lessons of our forty years' experience, 

454- 
Letters, Campbell Thos., to Rigdon, 217 ; 
S. Ryder, 220 ; D. Atwater, 239 ; 
John Schaeffer, 324; Hayden to 
Campbell, 342; Dr. J. P. Robison, 

395, 396. 
Lillie, W. A., 230, 466, 470. 
Little Mountain, church, 469. 
Lordstown, church, loi. 
Lucy, G. W., 118, 304, 46X. 

Mantua, Church, 237. 

Martin, Eld. Corbly, 191. 

Mentor, church, 191. 

Mentor, great meeting by Bentley and 

Rigdon, 192. 
McBride, S., obituary, 374. 
Middlebury and Akron, 355; renewed 

by sistens, 357. 
Middlebury, church, recent organization, 

469. 
Millennium, expectation of, 183. 
Miller, Samuel, 207. 
Miller, Eld. Thos., 137, 120, 332. 
Miller, Eld. William, 359. 
Minister's meetings, {Baptist), 38, 39, 

93, 223. 
Mitchell, James, Nathan, David, 94. 
Mitchell, James, 115. 
MofFet, Robert, 397, 468. 
Mogadore, church, 361. 
Montville, church, 469. 
Moody, Wm., 430. 



Morgan, (Rock-Creek), church, 469. 
Mormonism, advent of, 209. 
Moss, J. J., 196, 215, 410. 
Munson, church, 229. 

Nelson, {Baptist), Church, Formed, 

22, 237. 
Newburg, church, 402 ; reorganized, 405. 
Newcomb, Eld. Obadiah, 365, 367. 
Newcomb, T. J., 338. 
New Lisbon, Association in, 55 ; the plea 

opened, 72. 
Newton Falls, church, 136, 139. 
Nickerson, Capt. J. G., 412, 420. 
Nickerson, Capt. D. P., 413, 420. 
Niles, church, 470. 
Norton, church, 470. 

O'Connor, Washington, 410. 
Orange, North, church formed, 470. 
Orange, South, church in, 470. 
Origin and establishment of the Eclectic 

Institute, 260. 
Osborne, Jacob, biography of, 140. 
Otis, Dexter, 204, 469. 

Painesville, Church established, 

349- 
Palmyra, church organized, 332, 333. 
Palmyra, South, church, 334. 
Perry, North, church arises, 346. 
Phillips, John T., 284, 467. 
Phillips church formed, 118. 
Pinkerton, Dr. L. L., 423. 
Pompey Street, {Brunswick), church, 

432. 
Pool, Dr. W. F., 360. 
Porter, Nathan, 22, 225. 
Pow, George, 119. 
Preacher's meetings, origin of, 405. 
Preliminary agencies, i8. 

Quarterly Meeting in Braceville, 

65. 
Quarterly Meeting in East Fairfield, 

III. 
Queries, 24. 

Raines, Aylett, and the Restoration- 
ists, 130; memories of Eld. T. Camp- 
bell, 149; biography, 150; trial, 166; 
and Williams, 155. 



476 



INDEX. 



Randolph, church, 340. 

Ravenna, church, 369. 

Report by Scott, evangelist, 171. 

Reeves, H., 119, 466, 471. 

Richardson, Dr. R., baptism of, 335. 

Rigdon, Sidney, 19, 209, «38. 

Rigdon, Thomas, 92. 

Rigdon, three brothers, Thomas, John, 
and Charles, 92. 

Robbin's diary, 142. 

Robison, Dr. J. P., 229, 232, 294. 

Rowe, J, F., 360. 

Royalton, North, church, 424. 

Rudolph, Zeb, 237, 238, 260, 261. 

Russell, church, 470. 

Ryder, Symonds, conversion, 238; bi- 
ography, 24s. 

Sacket, Myron, 234. 

Salem, church, 116; re-established, 119. 

Saunders, Abram, 348, 468. 

Schaeffer, John, experiences of, 324. 

Schooley, Wm., biography, 83, 125. 

Scofield, Edward, 2a, 281, 424, 428. 

Scott, Walter, appointed evangelist, 58 ; 
biography, 61 ; among the churches, 
65 ; begins in New Lisbon, 72 ; in 
Canfield, 120 ; in Austintown, 129 : 
report to the association, 171, 

Secrest, John, 80. 

Shalersville, church founded, 334. 

Sharon, Baptist church, 967 ; McCleery 
family, 267 ; church formed^ 269 ; as- 
sociation in, 270. 

Sloan, R. R., 467, 472. 

Smith, Calvin, biography, 284. 

Smith, John T., 273, 

Solon, church, 471. 

Southington, church, 471. 

Stewart, John B,, 424. 

Stowe, church, 382 ; reorganized, 385. 

Streator, L. P., 146. 

Streator, M. J., 146, 443. 

Sullivan, church, 472. 

System of itineracy, 270. 

Tkagarden, S. B., 119. 
Thayer, Dr. I. A., 283, 466. 
Thompson, church, 471. 
Trumbull, church, 471. 
Turney, A. S., 348, 467. 



Union of "Christians" and Disci- 
ples, 125. 
Union oi Christians illustrated, 162. 
Union of principles explained, 163. 

Van Horn, 127. 
Vaughn, Tillinghast, 355, 
Veits, Rodney, 348. 
Violl, E. B., 206. 

Wadsworth, Church, 366. 

Waite, Alvan, 205. 

Waite Hill, church, 203. 

Wakefield, Edwin, 309, 467, 471. 

Wakefield, E. B., 310. 

Warren, {Baptist), church, origin of, 9X« 

Warren, siege of, 95, 

Warrensville, church, 472. 

Webb, E. H., 348. 

Wellsburg, church, 31. 

West, Eld. Wm., 127, 128. 

Western Reserve, history and descrip- 
tion, 13, 

White, H. J., 466, 469. 

White, D. J., 466. 

White, R. G., 360, 466. 

Whitacre, John, biography, 87. 

Willard, Eld. S. R., 470. 

Wilcox, M. L., 356, 436, 471. 

Wilcox, A., 421. 

Williams, E., sketch of, 155; in Shalers- 
ville, 155 ; baptism of, 157 ; in Mentor 
195. 

Williams, F., 372. 

Willoughby, church, 472. 

Windham, church, 142. 

Winfield, Wm. S., 284. 

Woodworth, Eld. Joshua, 127, 283. 

Yearly Meeting System, origin of, 
296. 

Yearly meeting, in Austintown, 296 ; in 
Randolph, 341 ; reported by Hayden, 
342 ; in Wadsworth, 366 ; in Aurora, 
379; in Newburg, 404; Euclid, 411, 
414 ; in Bedford, 389 ; in Richfield, 
429; in Youngstown, 450, 451. 

Youngstown, church established, 448. 



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THE GOSPEL PLAN OF SALVATION. 

The sale of this book has been unprecedentedly large and has called 
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" If our young men desire to understand the Gospel, and know how to 
present it to others so that they can understand it, believe it, and be saved 
by it, they can do no better than to obtain this book, and not only read it 
but study it.'^ — A. C. Review. 

It is a neatly printed and well bound 12mo vol., of 667 pages. Price 
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^JTECE 



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OP 



THE GOSPELS. 

Critically and Historically considered, by B. A. HINSDALE, A, M., 

President of Hiram College. 276 pages, 12mo. Cloth, Extra. Price, $1.25 



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The book is able, and we hope it will be widely useful. — Herald and 
Presbyter. 

This book is well filled with sound argument and criticism, and is of 
great importance. — Christian Record. 

The work is scholarly, the argument clear and forcible, the facts well 
chosen and arranged. — The Evangelist. 

We have read it with almost unmixed satisfaction, and commend it as 
a valuable, popular manual, in which the latest materials are gathered and 
digested, are satisfactorily exhibited, and ably reasoned upon. — Examiner 
and Chronicle. 

Many will thank him for doing the work so well. — The Advance. 

It is an able contribution to our religious literature, and will be especi- 
ally valuable to young men, who have not the original documents from 
which the author has so judiciously framed this able, forcible, and con- 
vincing argument. — PresH MiUigan. 

The author is at home in the realm of historical investigation. His 
tastes as well as his studies, and more than all, his fine powers of descrip- 
tion and honest perseverance in threading his way through discouraging 
labyrinths to a satisfactory conclusion, eminently fit him for such a task 
as he has here performed. — Isaac En^ett. 

We know nc volume of equal size that contains so many valuable quo- 
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ishes the various and variable hypotheses on which attempts liave been 
made to reduce the Gospel history to the level of myths, legends, apocrypha, 
or uncertain stories. — The Interior. 

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COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME. UNABRIDGED. 
DE. E. EIOHAEDSON'S 

MEMOIRS OF ALEXANDER CAMPBELL 

Erribracing a view of the Origin, Progress, and 

Principles of the Religious Reformation 

which he advocated. 

Containing over 1200 pages, elegantly and substantially bound. 



This edition is designed to meet the wishes of many who desire to have 
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Preachers, Teachers, Students and others who desire active out-door 
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public this valuable work. 

Price in fine English Cloth, $4.00; Sheep, Library Style, $5.00. 

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NEW EDITION -NOW READY. 
A SOEIPTURAL YIEW 



OF THE 



OFFICE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, 



This is a handsome 12mo volume, of 324 pages, bound in fine cloth. 
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The author has made the Office of the Holy Spirit a subject of study for 
many years, and gives in this work his strongest reasonings and ripest 
conclusions. 

" It is a real thesaurus or treasure-house of sound instruction in the 
things of the Kingdom of God. The diction as well as the construction 
of his sentences mark Dr. Richardson as one of the purest and best writiMs 
in the Reformation. We urge the study of this book upon our you.ii,' 
ministers as a model of fine composition." — Apostolic Times. 

*' There is no one among us nor among any other religious body, bett- r 
qualified to present the * Scriptural View ' than our venerable brother, IL 
Richardson." — The Christian, 

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